Trademarking of Team Kentucky

Statement:

“The University of Kentucky supports and applauds the governor’s use of the phrase ‘Team Kentucky.’ It’s a phrase that reflects our shared value of protecting each other amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Under federal trademark law, UK is required to assert its ownership of trademarked words and images. The university acted in accordance with that federal regulation by filing this information with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. UK has been working alongside the governor’s office throughout this process. The governor’s office was aware and understanding of UK’s need to meet legal deadlines to file this information permitting the parties to continue working together to get federal protection for the Team Kentucky mark. We kept them informed at every step of the way. We continue to work collaboratively with the governor’s office on this technicality related to federal trademarks and, more importantly, we continue to support efforts to keep our communities safe. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated and to engage in healthy behaviors as part of Team Kentucky.” – Jay Blanton, chief communication officer