Summary: UH’s legal bills have added up quickly in their trademark lawsuit against South Texas College of Law’s proposed name change.
The University of Houston has opened a flood gate after trying to claim the word “Houston” for education purposes in their legal fight against a crosstown rival law school’s name change. The university spent over $500,000 in legal fees over ten months in a federal trademark dispute that was eventually resolved in mediation.
UH filed the trademark lawsuit roughly a year ago against South Texas College of Law when they changed their name to Houston College of Law. The two institutions agreed upon name with HU is now South Texas College of Law Houston for the 93-year-old private institution. They were unable to agree upon any other final details during the settlement negotiations.
UH associate general counsel Eric D. Bentley confirmed the total legal fees were at $528,193. Prominent Houston attorney and alumnus Tony Buzbee donated his services, saving the school from any even higher bill.
South Texas stated that their legal fees were covered mostly by insurance and since they are a private institution, they do not have to provide the details. South Texas was attempting to increase their recognition by going with a new name. UH argued that prospective law students would be confused because the law schools would have such similar names and color schemes.
Now UH may face more trademark challenges from the Houston Astros and Houston Community College for tying to claim “Houston.”
Do you think law students would be that confused by the two law schools having similar names? Tell us in the comments below.
To learn more about South Texas College of Law Houston, read these articles:
- South Texas College of Law Gets a New Name
- South Texas College of Law Sued for IP Infringement
- South Texas College of Law Name Change Placed on Hold
South Texas Photo: rocketnews.com
UH Photo: wikipedia.org