In a surprising turn of events, reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has taken legal action against Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman over the use of their shared number 8. According to federal records, Jackson has filed a complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, claiming that Aikman’s attempt to use “EIGHT” on apparel and bags could potentially confuse the purchasing public.
Jackson’s attorney argues that the use of “EIGHT” by Aikman’s company, FL101, would create confusion in the marketplace, leading consumers to believe they are purchasing products endorsed by Jackson himself. Jackson has invested significant time, effort, and resources in promoting the number 8 in connection with his personal brand and fame. His attorney points out that Jackson’s trademarks involving the number 8 were registered before Aikman’s, giving him precedence in the matter.
The issue of trademark ownership, particularly when it comes to numbers, may seem unusual to some. However, legal experts like Christine Farley from American University explain that almost anything can be claimed as a trademark, including numbers. The appearance and usage of a trademark play a crucial role in determining its validity and uniqueness in the marketplace.
Trademark Landscape
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office currently has nearly 10,000 live registered or pending trademarks containing the word “eight” and over 1,800 live trademarks involving the numeral “8”. This vast landscape of trademark registrations highlights the competitive nature of securing intellectual property rights in the business world.
As the legal battle between Jackson and Aikman unfolds, it raises questions about the boundaries of trademark ownership and the extent to which individuals can protect their personal brand. The response from FL101, expected by August 18th, will shed light on the potential outcome of this high-profile dispute.
Jackson and Aikman are not the only notable athletes to have donned the number 8 during their careers. Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, along with baseball legends Cal Ripken Jr., Yogi Berra, and Carl Yastrzemski, as well as basketball stars Kobe Bryant and Walt Bellamy, have all worn the number on their jerseys, showcasing its widespread popularity across different sports.
The legal battle between Lamar Jackson and Troy Aikman over the number 8 trademark serves as a reminder of the complexities in protecting intellectual property rights in today’s competitive market. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office weighs in on this unique dispute and what implications it may have for future trademark cases.
Leave a Reply