The University of Oregon sent a letter to Iowa school district officials in December asking the Okoboji High School Pioneers to stop using a maroon-colored “O” because the shape infringes on the Ducks’ trademarked “O.”

The Oregon “O” was designed by Nike in collaboration with the UO and was first used in 2001; by 2003, the logo became the UO’s official mark.

Gary Janssen, the Okoboji Community School District superintendent, stated in a newsletter the school’s nickname and mascot will remain the Pioneers but will transition from their current logo — the Okoboji “O” — to something new. He is asking residents of Milford to submit ideas for a new school logo.

Ryan Paulsen, the Okoboji high school athletic director, has formed an eight-member committee of students, staff, parents, community/board members and alumni to solicit ideas for a new school logo. The Logo Committee will decide on the top three submitted ideas and send their recommendations to the Okoboji School Board at its May 13 meeting; the board will then make the final selection for the school’s next logo.

This is the second time an Iowa school has been asked to change their logo by a university. In 2006, Waukee School District agreed to change its “W” logo at the request of the University of Wisconsin.