The German sportswear company challenged the trademark application on Monday, saying it was “confusingly similar” to its three-stripe logo. Within 48 hours, it reversed course.
The trademark will offer the school, whose supporters famously emphasize the article in its name, some protection against unlicensed merchandise sellers.
The company has opposed singer-songwriters, school districts and food blogs for trying to trademark names or logos featuring an apple or a pear or pineapple.
Several justices seemed concerned that judges should have been appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. But there was no consensus about how to fix that flaw.