If y'all thought Ohio State's trademark lawyers were petty, buckle up, because they've got nothing on the NCAA.
In an extremely ballsy move – pun totally intended, by the way – the NCAA's lawyers are trying to cancel a Virginia urology clinic's trademark on the phrase “Vasectomy Mayhem,” arguing that the mark is “confusingly similar” to the NCAA's own trademarks of March Madness and March Mayhem.
Yes, seriously.
Here is a direct quote from the petition, courtesy of Darren Heitner of AboveTheLaw.com:
Registrant’s VASECTOMY MAYHEM mark is confusingly similar to the NCAA Marks, and continued registration and use by Registrant of VASECTOMY MAYHEM with the Registrant’s Services is likely to result in confusion, mistake or deception with Petitioner and/or the goods and services marketed in connection with the NCAA Marks, or in the belief that Registrant or its VASECTOMY MAYHEM services are in some way legitimately connected with, or sponsored, licensed or approved by, Petitioner.
Heitler also notes that the NCAA acknowledges that Virginia Urology Center uses “Vasectomy Mayhem” to promote its medical services and is in no way competing with NCAA or March Madness, but that “Vasectomy Mayhem” is likely to dilute the distinctive quality and reputation of the NCAA Marks.
Sure, because vasectomies and basketball tournaments are often confused.
"I thought I was there to watch basketball, next thing I know, I'm sterilized!"
In the midst of absolute chaos surrounding the impending changes to the name, image and likeness rules, this is where the NCAA is choosing to allocate its legal resources. Incredible.
