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Ohio State University Files Lawsuit Against Michigan Restaurant

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 4:03 PM ET

The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State has reportedly spilled into the food service industry after one of the school's took legal action against a local restaurant over the name of one of its drinks.

According to ABC 6 News in Columbus, the Buckeyes have reportedly sued a longtime Ann Arbor establishment over the name of its drink special referencing OSU and its nickname — leading to an Ohio State court filing this week.

Michigan has won each of its last four encounters with the Bucks on the road to winning the national championship in 2023 — which only added insult to injury for Ohio State before finally claiming a national title of their own under head coach Ryan Day last year.

BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: The Ohio State Buckeyes mascot and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits mascot perform during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Ohio State takes legal action

Per the Ohio-based news outlet: "Ohio State filed a 'Notice of Opposition' with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, claiming that 'The Brown Jug' restaurant is infringing on the 'Buckeye' copyright by offering a drink called 'Buckeye Tears.'"

"The filing alleges that the 'Buckeye Tears' item is either the same as or a close approximation of the 'Buckeye' name used by Ohio State and its marketing," WSYX continued. "The university is seeking to protect its brand and prevent what it sees as unauthorized use of its trademarked name."

The Brown Jug restaurant reportedly has until Oct. 6 to respond to the university's trademark dispute — roughly one month before the Wolverines and Buckeyes are set to meet again in The Game.

Fans react to OSU's decision

The Buckeyes' lawsuit wasn't exactly received well by some fans online who believe the school is being "soft" because it hasn't been able to beat Big Blue on the field.

"The B—hmade State University. Cry harder," a user commented.

"not even a national title can make that school any less b—h made," another claimed.

"The most soft and emotional school and fanbase in sports," a Michigan fan replied.

"kind of hilarious, honestly," another person admitted.

"suing over a drink name is big mad."

"I love the michigan-ohio conflict," another user said.