Lamar Jackson Takes on Troy Aikman in Trademark Battle
In a surprising turn of events, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is taking on former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman in a trademark battle. The dispute centers around the use of the number 8, a jersey number shared by both athletes.
According to ESPN and trademark attorney Josh Gerben, Jackson has filed a challenge against Aikman’s trademark filing for the word “EIGHT” on apparel and bags. Jackson’s legal team argues that Aikman’s trademarks would be “likely to cause confusion, or cause mistake, or to deceive” the public, making it difficult for fans to distinguish between the two athletes’ merchandise.
Aikman’s company, FL101, has applied for several trademarks featuring the word “EIGHT,” including a light beer brand. However, Jackson is only disputing the bags and apparel. Jackson has been making his own apparel for years under his Era 8 Apparel brand, with products including T-shirts that just have the numeral 8 on them. He has reportedly applied for a number of trademarks around the number, most of them featuring the “Era 8” name.
This isn’t the first time Jackson has gone to battle over his apparel company. In 2020, he filed a lawsuit against Amazon over selling unlicensed merchandise featuring his registered trademarks.
The trademark battle is set to take place in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, with both sides vying for the right to use the number 8 on their merchandise. The outcome of the dispute will have significant implications for both athletes and their respective brands.
