For college football fans, the cadence at the beginning of a game in Columbus, Ohio is familiar - no not the quarterback doing the count before the snap, but the pause that follows "The" when referring to a player from The Ohio State University. Indeed, any student, alumni, or even fan of the university will tell you that the emphasis on the word "The" is as important to the identity of the school as the words that follow. Now, having recently granted The Ohio State University a trademark on the word 'The', it seems that those at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office agree. While the decision drew eye rolls from some with the suggestion that "the" is the longest word Ohio State students can spell, a jeer that many Ohio State students will attribute to archrival University of Michigan fans, those at The Ohio State University will proudly point out the genius of securing a trademark on one of the most common words in the English language.

The Ohio State University, minus the emphasis, has long been the official name for the school. However, recently, university officials eager to protect the university's $12 million plus annual trademark and licensing program argued that trademarking 'The' was just as important as protecting the school's name, mascot, and other symbols associated with the university. So, this fall, as students in Columbus don T-shirts emblazoned with nothing more than 'The', one has to wonder whether sportscasters will follow suit, introducing players as being simply from 'The'. For Ohio State fans, the idea that nothing further is needed as an identifier could be gratifying. For University of Michigan fans, being able to use the shorthand rather than uttering the words 'Ohio State' could also be viewed in a positive light. Then again, losing to a school officially recognized as being The best team won't be easy.

Discussion Questions:

1. Summarize the article

2. Discuss why entities use trademarks. What protections do trademarks offer? What is their commercial value?

3. The word 'The' is one of the most common words in the English language. Do you agree with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the word is a fundamental component of The Ohio State University's identity similar to, for example, its mascot, Brutus, or Block O insignia?

4. The trademark on 'The' issued to The Ohio State University is limited to a fairly narrow set of situations, for example, its use on various types of apparel. How does the university stand to gain from trademarking the word 'The'?