The University of Maryland has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Terps USA, a Colorado-based cannabis company. The university claims the business infringes on its trademark by using the name and logo. UMD demands that the company stop using the “Terps” name and its associated trademark immediately.
The letter gives the business thirty days to make the necessary changes. Terps USA must also provide proof that it has complied with the university’s demands. The university declined to comment when reached by FOX 5 regarding the dispute.
Terps USA owner Ken Fry stated he was “dumbfounded reading the letter,” he told FOX 5. Fry has used the Terps USA name and logo since founding the company in 2019. This timeline places the start of usage seven years before receiving the letter from UMD.
Fry asserts that the name has nothing to do with the University of Maryland. He explains that “Terps” is short for terpenes, which are natural chemical compounds found in plants. These compounds contribute to the flavor and aroma of cannabis and can influence its effects.
While Fry acknowledges the similarities between the two logos are pretty obvious, he maintains the resemblance was coincidental. He denies ever intending to copy or capitalize on UMD’s brand. Fry says he has no intention of giving up the name despite the university’s pressure.
The university’s demands reportedly extend beyond just changing the logo. UMD is also asking the company to abandon its federal trademark. Additionally, the university wants the business to change its name altogether.
Fry says he is willing to discuss the logo but draws the line at giving up the company name. “It’s ours. You’re not taking our name because you don’t like it,” Fry said.
He emphasizes that the name belongs to his business and not the university.
The owner stated he would be willing to sit down with the university to work out an agreement over the logo. “Will we sit down and talk to you about the logo and have a conversation and work it out?
He expressed a desire to resolve the visual identity issue through dialogue.
Terps USA says its attorneys have responded to UMD’s letter. However, the company has not yet received a response from the university.
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