ANN ARBOR,โ Mich.โข – Ohio State University has filed a trademark challenge against a popularโค Ann Arbor bar,Theโฃ Brown Jug,over its “Buckeye Tears” drink,a cocktail created to celebrate Michigan’s football rivalry with theโค Buckeyes. โThe โfiling, submitted to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Boardโ on Sept. 26, โขinitiates a legal process that could spanโ years.
The drink, which โฃhas become a staple at The Brown Jugโฃ as its introduction, is named as โa โplayfulโ jab at Ohio State, referencing the perceived disappointment of Buckeye fans following Michigan victories. The Brown Jug has been a fixture in Ann Arbor asโข 1936, known for its “quality, fresh food in a clean, pleasant, family atmosphere,” according to its website.
University Spokesperson Chrisโฃ Booker stated the trademark filing serves as the University’sโ official comment on the โmatter.โ
The Brown Jug โhas publicly acknowledged the challenge but intends to continue selling the drink โฃthroughout the legal proceedings. A manager, speakingโข anonymously, told reporters, โฃ”business as usual.” โThe barโฃ hasโ evenโค seen an increase inโข customers eager toโข try the drink as โnews of the trademark challenge โsurfaced. “People want to come in, see it and try it,” the manager said.
The Brown Jug โคhas actively engaged with the situation on socialโ media, sharing videos of customers enjoying “Buckeye Tears” and โฃannouncing plans for merchandise. A dedicated Instagram account, @buckeyetears, has also emerged.
According to a legal timeline available onโข the โTrademark Trial and Appeal Board website, The brown Jug has until Oct. 6 to respondโ to Ohio state’s challenge.The proceedings are expectedโค to continue until March 2027.
