

Share Your Thoughts with the Dean Learn more about Dean Baynes Follow on Twitter at @UHLawDean Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to inform you that the University of Houston and South Texas College of Law Houston have settled the nine-month trademark dispute.

In June, South Texas College of Law changed its name to Houston College of Law and began using colors similar to those of the University of Houston. UH filed suit, maintaining that the rebranding would likely cause confusion between the two schools and a federal judge granted UH’s request for a preliminary injunction. Today’s jointly issued press release provides details of the settlement: “South Texas College of Law Houston’s board of directors elected to proceed with the name South Texas College of Law Houston, appending “Houston” to the school’s former name. “Following mediation before Judge Dena Palermo, the parties signed a settlement agreement that enables South Texas College of Law Houston to use the geographic descriptor “Houston” in its name and in other marketing of the law school, while ensuring its use of “Houston” will not cause confusion between the two schools. University of Houston agreed to dismiss its lawsuit, and South Texas College of Law Houston agreed not to challenge the University of Houston’s trademark application for the use of “Houston” related to education services and related goods and services.” I am pleased that both law schools can now co-exist as distinct institutions, continue to fulfill their educational missions, and continue to focus exclusively on the business of educating our students. Sincerely,

Leonard M. Baynes

Dean & Professor of Law

University of Houston Law Center