Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Cambridge University Opposes 'Cambridge Rowing' Trademark as Owner Decries 'Bullying'

A decision is expected early this year after a 2025 hearing, with the university arguing trademark protection deters fraud.

Overview

  • Cambridge Rowing Ltd applied in January 2022 to register its name and logo, and the University of Cambridge filed a formal objection a few months later.
  • Owner Omar Terywall calls the university’s approach heavy-handed and “bonkers” and says his firm has introduced rowing to more than 5,000 people.
  • The university says it frequently confronts fraudulent actors misrepresenting association and that it must enforce trademarks to prevent misuse.
  • The application spans classes including 25 for sports clothing, 35 for merchandising, and 41 for hospitality, while Downing College holds a class 25 mark for “Cambridge Rowing Tank.”
  • The university has registered “Cambridge” for categories including sporting activities and previously prevailed in a 2021 challenge blocking a brewery from registering “Cambridge Blue.”