Saint John's Sues St. John's Over Trademark Dispute
Saint John's College and St. John's University are embroiled in a trademark dispute, with the former filing a lawsuit against the latter on Monday, November 9th, 2026.
Saint John's College, a prestigious liberal arts institution, has taken legal action against St. John's University, a renowned Catholic university, over the use of the name "Johnnies." The dispute revolves around the shared usage of the term by both educational institutions.
Background
- Saint John's College is a historic liberal arts institution located in Collegeville, Minnesota, USA.
- St. John's University, also based in the USA, is a renowned Catholic institution with campuses in New York City and Collegeville.
- Both institutions share the moniker "Johnnies," which is used by students, alumni, and faculty members to refer to themselves.
Litigation Details
Saint John's College asserts that the usage of the term "Johnnies" by St. John's University has caused confusion among the public, particularly regarding which institution is being referred to.
The lawsuit seeks to protect the historical and cultural significance of the term "Johnnies" associated with Saint John's College, founded in 1854.
St. John's University Response
St. John's University has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but the institution has historically used the term "Johnnies" to refer to its own student body since 1954.
A spokesperson for the university stated that "Johnnies" is a common term used by both institutions, and the university is confident in its rights to the name.
Impact on the Communities
The trademark dispute could potentially have a significant impact on the two institutions' alumni and student communities, as well as the Collegeville and New York City areas.
The ongoing confusion may hinder fundraising efforts, recruitment, and overall recognition for both institutions.
</body> </html><small>Source: Inside Higher Ed — read the original story there.</small>
