A NUMBER of objections have been lodged against Oxford University's bid to trademark the word 'Oxford', as the deadline for commenting on the application approaches.

The university wants to trademark the city's name on more than a hundred products from stickers and pencils to DVDs and bibles.

However the move has sparked concern that if granted, makers of maps, tickets, newspapers, journals and 122 other goods could potentially face a bill for using the word ‘Oxford’ in the wrong way.

The application to the Intellectual Property Office has so far garnered three objections.

One objector, Chris Sugden, on behalf of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life (OCRPL)is urging others to oppose the trademark.

Mr Sugden, who is secretary of the OCRPL which was founded in 2005, said: "Oxford was a town and a city long before the university - the university is a late comer.

"This doesn't make sense. They are overreaching themselves and being unnecessarily protective.

"It should be opposed - you can't trademark a place name - do you then trademark the London Institute, do you trademark Birmingham University?

"This is just a bridge too far by the university."

Oxford University Press (OUP), a division of the university, lodged the application in October as the world-renowned institution looks to sure up protection of its 'brand' ahead of Brexit.

The university currently has a trademark in the EU, however, if the UK withdraws, as is currently planned in March, a new trademark would have to be sought for the UK.

It is believed the IPO had initially taken the stance that the city's name could not be trademarked, however, OUP has since offered evidence that the term 'Oxford' is sufficiently associated with the university for the mark to be granted.

Oxford University has previously said it would not take legal action against everybody who uses the word Oxford.

Instead, the institute said it would only pursue a claim if it ‘believes its rights are infringed’.

In a statement OUP said: "This does not stop people, residents, and organizations from using the word ‘Oxford’ for a wide range of other initiatives and activities, as we know many already do.

"We will only pursue legal action if we believe our rights are being infringed, or if organizations are trying to trade on OUP’s and the university’s reputations, and mislead the public into thinking their products and services emanate from us."

The deadline for objections to the IPO application is Wednesday, December 19.

To object email trademark.examination@ipo.gov.uk