Ohio State's Latest Trademark Attempt is Beyond Stupid and Has Been a PR Disaster

This is just downright ridiculous.

Ohio State, long known for it's strong emphasis on being "The Ohio State University," is now actually trying to trade mark the word "THE" for use on school apparel like shirts and hats.

Yes, you read that right. "THE." That's what they're trying to trademark.

This blows Tom Brady's pursuit of the name "Tom Terrific" right out of the water. Trying to place a trademark on that word really isn't going to do them any good popularity-wise in the college sports world.

It's confounding that a university with the type of name recognition that Ohio State has seriously feels the need to go after this anyway. It's as though they've made being THE Ohio State University their main selling point as a brand.

The university claims that it only plans to trademark the usage of one of the English language's most popular words when it's used on items bearing the school's name, but that doesn't make it any less ridiculous.

They could probably "vigorously protect their brand" without filing for the trademark.

If they successfully get the trademark, there's really no telling what other ridiculous things schools and teams might end up going after under the guise of defending their brands.