A decision by the UK Intellectual Property Office is “imminent” in the case of two universities that have submitted trademark applications for names that include “New College.” One — New College, Oxford — is part of the 632-year-old University of Oxford (the second-oldest surviving university in the world). The second applicant, The New College of the Humanities is a new private institution being launched by the philosopher A. C. Grayling as “a new concept in university level education.”
The New College of the Humanities, “was founded with the participation and advice of 14 of the world’s top academics,” according to its website. The BBC reported that the New College of Humanities does not see the potential for confusion between the two institutions. “We are talking to New College, Oxford, but we don’t think there is any confusion between New College of the Humanities and New College, Oxford, given their great heritage and NCH’s distinct positioning around humanities and social sciences,” said a spokeswoman.
The New College, Oxford trademark application covers a wide range of classes, including educational material, bags, clothing, and more. Here’s a copy of the record from Corsearch® Advantage™:
An Internet search reveals that several other UK-based higher learning institutions use the phrase “New College” in their names, including New College Swindon, NEW (North East Worcestershire) College, and New College Durham.
If the New College of the Humanities trademark application moves forward, it may be opposed by New College, Oxford. A spokesperson told The Huffington Post, “Please be aware, that we trademark to protect against the use of the University’s IP by others, as well as categories that have a relevance to the University and its accomplishments.”
Which New College trademark do you think will prevail?
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