On June 6, in a precedential decision in In re University of Miami, Serial No. 8661638, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board reversed two U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) refusals to register a design mark depicting the mascot of the University of Miami Hurricanes—Sebastian the Ibis—for various paper products, clothing, and educational and entertainment services.
Bravery and leadership are admirable traits for college athletes, and that is likely why the University of Miami chose an ibis as its mascot. A marsh bird found in the Florida Everglades, the ibis instinctively signals to other members of the bird kingdom when a storm is imminent.
