The suit was filed in California and is only the latest shot across the bow between John Wayne Enterprises and the academic/basketball powerhouse.
The movie star's heirs are looking to market bourbon they want to call simply, "Duke." The bottle would feature Wayne in his signature western outfit, holding a rifle.
As mentioned, the two sides have been keeping attorney's in spending cash for several years. In 2005, the school filed a suit of their own to stop a restaurant proposed by Wayne’s family.
The university claimed allowing the use of the name could “cause confusion and tarnish the value” of the brand.
The family claims Wayne used the nickname for years, including the time before he became the world’s top box office attraction.
We’re wondering if a simple one-on-one game between Coach K and one of Wayne’s relatives may not be the civilized way to decide the matter.