The University of Kentucky and Lorillard Inc. have settled a trademark dispute after the school opposed the tobacco company's use of "Blu Nation" for its e-cigarette loyalty program.
The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company said Tuesday it has reached a non-financial agreement that will allow both parties to use their respective slogans "Blu Nation" and "Big Blue Nation."
Last week, the university filed an opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office over the slogan. It says it has used its slogan since at least 1995 and was concerned the association would harm its reputation and falsely associate the university with the company.
Lorillard has agreed to sell the blu brand to Imperial Tobacco Group to ease regulatory concerns about competition related to its planned merger with Reynolds American Inc.
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