Oregon pushes Iowa high school to change logo over trademark

The University of Oregon is a college football powerhouse, but the university is flexing a different muscle to push a northwest Iowa high school to change its logo: it’s trademark protection muscle.

Okoboji Supt. Gary Janssen said the Okoboji Pioneers will phase out their “O” logo after complaints from the university, according to the Associated Press.

Oregon’s director of marketing and brand management Matt Dyste said the university is just protecting its trademarked green and yellow logo designed by Nike, which operates its headquarters out of nearby Beaverton, Ore.

Due to the university’s relationship with Nike, Oregon features some of the flashiest uniforms in college football.

The high school, which has used the emblem for almost a decade, has asked the university for time while it puts a new plan into place for the school.

Dyste said Oregon will be patient with the high school.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.