"The" Ohio State Trademark

After a three-year legal process, Ohio State University was awarded the use of “The” as a trademark on its products. The Buckeyes football team, announcers, and others have emphasized “thee” at the beginning of the university name, and now it’s official. This means that only OSU can use “the” “on branded products associated with and sold through athletics and collegiate channels, such as T-shirts, baseball caps and hats.”

The university’s head of media relations said, “THE has been a rallying cry in the Ohio State community for many years, and Buckeye fans who purchase official Ohio State gear support student scholarships, libraries, and other university initiatives.” Indeed, athletic products bring in more than $12 million in annual revenue.

In a 2014 Saturday Night Live parody, players announce their crimes. When it’s Marvin Ingram’s turn, he says his crime and emphasizes “THEE” Ohio State University.

You can read about the history of “the” in the university’s name if you’re interested.