John Wayne's heirs are suing Duke University

John Wayne's heirs are suing Duke University
(Image credit: McCarthy/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

John Wayne's nickname, "the Duke," is causing strife between Wayne's heirs and Duke University. John Wayne Enterprises has slapped the Durham, N.C. school with a lawsuit over the use of Wayne's nickname on alcoholic beverages.

Last year, John Wayne Enterprises tried to trademark all uses of the term "Duke" on alcoholic beverages except beer, to which Duke University responded with an objection. Now, Wayne's heirs are suing Duke University over the objection.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.