He started publicly using it so many years ago, which was the time to sue.
I don’t know how many other uses of “Duke” John Wayne Enterprises has been using and for how long, but I think a tradename has to be defended in all significant cases in order to have a case.
I’m no expert, but I don’t think it helps your case if you let someone infringe on your tradename for decades.
It’s silly, IMHO, cuz everybody knows who “the Duke” is.
I really don’t see the damage to the image, either; it’ll probably help draw students. It’s not like drinking and college is some big secret. Hey, new world order wants to spread alcohol excess and recreational drugs throughout the college population, I would think they’d be willing to pay to license the drink as the official drink of the school.
Oh, I get it. John Wayne is well-liked by a lot of conservatives.
Ahhh, now it makes sense. Colleges don’t want students exposed to ANYTHING REMOTELY conservative - even while the students are drunk.
But, yes, I agree the university probably wouldn't bother if it had been ORTEGA beer or something...