Drake University, DMACC end logo dispute with ‘mutual agreement’

Drake University and Des Moines Area Community College have reached a “mutual agreement” on disputed logo designs, ending more than a year of litigation between the two institutions.

The universities announced Thursday morning in press releases that they “have been working together closely to resolve the issue outside of the courts and are glad to have reached a signed resolution.”

No details of the agreement were provided, and according to the DMACC press release, neither institution will comment beyond the releases. DMACC has released logos approved for use going forward.

The DMACC board of directors met at 8 a.m. Thursday and held a closed session to discuss topics relating to litigation. The board approved a settlement agreement after returning to open session.

When asked for a copy of the settlement, the community college directed the Iowa Capital Dispatch to submit a public records request, which was completed. No response was received by the time of publication. Drake University did not respond to requests for the agreement or comment.

Drake filed suit in federal court against DMACC in July 2024 after the community college launched a rebranding effort, claiming federal trademark infringement, unfair competition, injury to business reputation and unjust enrichment. DMACC was temporarily blocked from using the new designs. The community college filed a counterclaim for defamation, which was rejected.

According to the releases, DMACC tops the list of where students transfer from to attend Drake and the private college is “among the top five schools to which DMACC graduates transfer.” Both institutions belong to the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative and participate in “cross-enrollment advising” to allow DMACC students guaranteed enrollment to Drake.

“Both parties look forward to continuing their long-standing partnership and shared programs in service to current and future generations of students,” both of the press releases stated.

This article was first published by Iowa Capital Dispatch.