Oklahoma State contesting Ohio State attempt to trademark 'O-S-U'

With a large geographical divide between them, Oklahoma State and Ohio State aren't considered rivals in the college football landscape.

The two schools haven't met since the 2004 Alamo Bowl but are currently involved in a fight of a different kind over a trademarking issue.

Ohio State filed an application earlier this year with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office seeking ownership over the trademark "O-S-U." According to Jennifer Smola of The Columbus Dispatch, that filing was specifically related to clothes and apparel.

Oklahoma State has since filed an extension to Ohio State's application, issuing plans to oppose the request. The office has granted the extension, giving the Cowboys until the end of August to file their notice of opposition.

A spokesperson for the Big 12 outfit told Smola that there has been an agreement between the schools, as well as Oregon State, in the past. Ohio State's trademark currently covers 19 states, while Oklahoma State's is valid in 17 states, mostly in the West and South.

"This isn't a conflict of schools," Ohio State spokesperson Chris Davey said. "This is the type of item that arises from time to time in a trademark."

Oklahoma State spokesperson Gary Shutt said, "We look forward to talking to Ohio State about joint use and making sure our universities and our fans are best served."