Grambling, After 30 Years, Separates from Pack to Trademark ‘G’

Grambling State University finally secured federal trademark protection for its long‑used “Grambling G” logo after decades of relying on common‑law rights. The university overcame earlier refusals by limiting its claim to its traditional black‑and‑gold color scheme and entering coexistence agreements with both the Green Bay Packers and the University of Georgia, two sports teams with similar “G” marks registered long before Grambling’s. 

The shift in strategy reflects the growing value of collegiate intellectual property, especially as licensing revenue, NIL deals, and brand partnerships become increasingly central to university finances. 

 The coexistence agreement, which states that Grambling may only use its logo with its black and gold colors, will help to avoid consumer confusion with the Packers and University of Georgia logos.   

“Such agreements are common,” said Finnegan partner and leader of the firm’s trademark practice, Naresh Kilaru. He said some agreements are done as a favor, while others occur when one party has leverage. 

Naresh also commented on the value of federal registration in trademark enforcement, referencing a 2024 jury verdict where Vintage Brands LLC was found to have willfully infringed Penn State’s registered trademarks by selling merchandise with the school’s “retro” logos.  

Read Grambling, After 30 Years, Separates From Pack to Trademark ‘G’