‘A Good-Natured Joke’: Michigan Bar Fires Back at Ohio State in ‘Buckeye Tears’ Spat

A Rivalry That Pours Beyond the Field

The Michigan–Ohio State rivalry has spilled from the gridiron to the glass. The Brown Jug, a popular Ann Arbor bar and restaurant, is fighting back against The Ohio State University after the school challenged its effort to trademark the term “Buckeye Tears” — the name of a local light beer that’s become a fan favorite among Wolverine supporters.

Ohio State filed a notice of opposition in August with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, claiming that the “Buckeye Tears” brand could cause confusion and suggest affiliation with the university. The Brown Jug’s owners — both former Michigan athletes — fired back in a witty legal reply, calling the dispute an overreach by a “team of lawyers” unwilling to take a joke.

‘Sore Losers’ and a Sales Surge

In its response, the Brown Jug argued that the name plays on a well-known perception among Michigan fans — especially after four straight Wolverine victories — that Ohio State fans don’t always take losses lightly. “Ohio State’s very filing of the opposition validates that perception,” the filing said.

Since the dispute made headlines, sales of Buckeye Tears have soared, with customers ordering pints for the humor as much as the taste.

Tradition Meets Trademark

Ohio State maintains that the beer name could “dilute” the Buckeyes brand, which generates millions in annual royalties. But the Brown Jug counters that “Buckeye” is a generic term for Ohio residents — and used by thousands of businesses statewide.

The lighthearted spat now heads into a months-long legal process stretching into 2027. For Michigan fans, though, one thing’s clear: the rivalry never rests — not even at happy hour.