Lamar Jackson has officially withdrawn his trademark challenge against Troy Aikman's use of the number 8, marking a significant turn in his year-long legal battle.
Why it matters: This development highlights the complexities of trademark rights in sports and the implications for athletes' branding efforts.
Jackson's withdrawal, filed "with prejudice," ensures he cannot refile this challenge again, closing the door on a dispute that had drawn considerable attention.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s appeal board dismissed Jackson's opposition, solidifying Aikman’s claim over the trademark.
What’s new: The resolution comes after more than a year of negotiations and disputes surrounding the use of the number 8 by both players.
Initially, Jackson challenged Aikman’s trademark application concerning the word "EIGHT" across various consumer goods, including apparel and beverages, in July 2024.
Jackson had previously secured trademarks for several phrases linked to the number 8, such as “Era 8 by Lamar Jackson” and “You 8 yet?”
By the numbers: Multiple high-profile athletes have donned the number 8, creating a rich tapestry of its significance in sports culture.
Icons like Steve Young, Cal Ripken Jr., and Kobe Bryant have also made their mark while wearing this number, adding layers of competition for its trademark.
Yes, but: Despite the resolution, the implications of this dispute raise questions about the intersection of athlete branding and trademark law.
Jackson’s attorney, Josh Gerben, noted the finality of Jackson’s withdrawal: “Lamar is withdrawing this saying it's with prejudice. Meaning I can never file this again, and I'm not even having the consent of the defendant.”
What to watch: This case sets a precedent for how athletes approach trademark registrations and disputes in the future.
With Jackson's previous oppositions against other high-profile athletes, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., who quickly withdrew their applications, the landscape of athlete branding continues to evolve.
The bottom line: As the dust settles on this legal matter, Jackson will need to navigate his branding strategy carefully moving forward, particularly as athletes increasingly seek to monetize their identities in competitive markets.
Lamar Jackson has officially withdrawn his trademark challenge against Troy Aikman's use of the number 8, marking a significant turn in his year-long legal battle.
Why it matters: This development highlights the complexities of trademark rights in sports and the implications for athletes' branding efforts.
Jackson's withdrawal, filed "with prejudice," ensures he cannot refile this challenge again, closing the door on a dispute that had drawn considerable attention.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s appeal board dismissed Jackson's opposition, solidifying Aikman’s claim over the trademark.
What’s new: The resolution comes after more than a year of negotiations and disputes surrounding the use of the number 8 by both players.
Initially, Jackson challenged Aikman’s trademark application concerning the word "EIGHT" across various consumer goods, including apparel and beverages, in July 2024.
Jackson had previously secured trademarks for several phrases linked to the number 8, such as “Era 8 by Lamar Jackson” and “You 8 yet?”
By the numbers: Multiple high-profile athletes have donned the number 8, creating a rich tapestry of its significance in sports culture.
Icons like Steve Young, Cal Ripken Jr., and Kobe Bryant have also made their mark while wearing this number, adding layers of competition for its trademark.
Yes, but: Despite the resolution, the implications of this dispute raise questions about the intersection of athlete branding and trademark law.
Jackson’s attorney, Josh Gerben, noted the finality of Jackson’s withdrawal: “Lamar is withdrawing this saying it's with prejudice. Meaning I can never file this again, and I'm not even having the consent of the defendant.”
What to watch: This case sets a precedent for how athletes approach trademark registrations and disputes in the future.
With Jackson's previous oppositions against other high-profile athletes, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., who quickly withdrew their applications, the landscape of athlete branding continues to evolve.
The bottom line: As the dust settles on this legal matter, Jackson will need to navigate his branding strategy carefully moving forward, particularly as athletes increasingly seek to monetize their identities in competitive markets.
