A Cambridge-based entrepreneur is locked in a legal battle with the prestigious University of Cambridge, which has objected to him using the city's name in his rowing business. Omar Terywall, 46, who founded Cambridge Rowing to introduce novices to the sport on the River Cam, faces a formal challenge from the ancient institution over his company's trademark.
The 'Bonkers' Legal Challenge
Mr Terywall applied to register his company's name and a logo featuring a shield and a rower as a trademark in January 2022. Months later, the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge lodged an objection, stating it must 'protect trademarks to prevent misuse'. 'To take ownership of the words "Cambridge" and "rowing" - it's bonkers,' Mr Terywall told the BBC. 'Nobody really owns the right to the word "Cambridge"... It belongs to all of us.'
He emphasised that his firm, Cambridge Rowing Limited, offers a genuine 'Cambridge rowing experience' operating from the City of Cambridge Rowing Club, a 'town club' not run by the university. A hearing was held in 2025 and a ruling is anticipated early this year.
University's History of Protecting Its Brand
The university, founded in 1209, has registered 'Cambridge' as a trademark for services including 'sporting and cultural activities' and 'sport camp services'. Downing College, part of the university, also holds a trademark for 'Cambridge Rowing Tank', an indoor training facility. The institution argues the public associates 'Cambridge' with the university in contexts like education, sport, and research.
This is not its first such objection. In 2021, a brewery was blocked from registering 'Cambridge Blue' for a boat race-themed lager, with a hearing officer ruling it could imply false endorsement. The university states it is 'often subject to fraudulent actors' and must protect its trademarks to prevent misuse.
David vs Goliath: A Small Business Under Pressure
For Mr Terywall, the challenge from the 'huge, multi-billion-pound entity' is daunting. 'It's terrifying when you've got a big organisation like them coming after you… I guess, yes, there is a form of bullying there,' he said. He insists he will not change his company's name, as that would imply wrongdoing.
While proud of the university's achievements, he notes 'Cambridge existed way before the university did, as did rowing.' According to World Rowing, the sport's earliest known depiction dates from around 5,800 BC in Finland. As he awaits the ruling, the small business owner is left wondering where to turn in a dispute that pits local enterprise against a global academic brand.
