Drake University, citing the attire worn by its bulldog mascot, seen above, is suing Des Moines Area Community College for trademark infringement over the latter’s use of the letter “D” in a collegiate-style font. (Photo illustration from U.S. District Court exhibits)
Des Moines Area Community College has removed nearly all of its digital and physical assets featuring its new “D” logo after a federal judge granted Drake University’s request to place a temporary injunction on its usage.
Drake University filed suit in federal court against DMACC this summer over a rebranding effort by the community college, which featured a new letter “D” logo in a block-style font similar to the private university’s own branding. The suit alleges federal trademark infringement, unfair competition, injury to business reputation and unjust enrichment.
U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Rose issued the temporary injunction in late November, stating the two logos are nearly identical. She also noted in her ruling that there is some evidence of “intentional copying,” as the coloring as well as the font are incredibly similar.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
DMACC President Rob Denson said the new logo has been taken down from websites and campuses in compliance with the ruling. The college has also filed an appeal against the injunction.
“We’re not delaying on anything,” Denson said. “We’ve been working very, very hard to comply with the court’s order.”
The college has until Dec. 13 to fully phase out the logo, Denson said, but some items and spaces with the new branding will have to wait a little longer before they’re changed, like certain uniforms and a basketball court. He said DMACC will file a report with the court saying what has been done and the status of logos that haven’t been removed yet.
DMACC unveiled the new logo and other branding in October 2023, with plans to update physical signage and other parts of the college’s seven campuses in the months after its launch on the website. The last rebranding effort by the college took place around 40 years ago.
Putting the new logo in place and other rebranding efforts are “pretty much” complete, Denson said, though the college was waiting on a few things before it was finished. DMACC has previously stated that it would defend its branding, saying “Drake University simply does not own the letter D.”
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.