Lamar Jackson Drops Trademark Challenge Against Aikman
Lamar Jackson Drops Trademark Challenge to Troy Aikman‘s ‘No. 8’ Branding
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Lamar Jackson, the star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has withdrawn his challenge to trademark applications filed by Pro Football hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman and his company, FL101, regarding the use of the number “8.” The move, finalized with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), ends a months-long dispute over branding rights to the iconic number.
Jackson Withdraws Opposition ‘With Prejudice’
According to records from the USPTO, Jackson’s attorney, Andrea Evans, filed a motion to withdraw the opposition “with prejudice” earlier this week, meaning Jackson cannot re-file the challenge in the future. The appeal board at the USPTO agreed to dismiss the claims of opposition on Tuesday.
“Lamar is withdrawing this saying it’s with prejudice,” explained Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney at Gerben Law. “Meaning I can never file this again, and I’m not even having the consent of the defendant.”
This decision clears the path for FL101 to proceed with its trademark applications,which cover a wide range of merchandise. Aikman’s legal team celebrated the outcome.
Aikman’s team Views Withdrawal as an Admission
Aikman’s attorneys released a statement to ESPN, asserting that Jackson’s withdrawal is “an acknowledgement that mr. Jackson’s claims were an overreach and should never have been brought in the first place.” they attributed the decision to recent rulings by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) that had not favored Jackson’s position.
Requests for comment from Jackson’s attorneys have not yet been returned. While it remains unclear whether a financial settlement or other agreement was reached between the two parties, Gerben noted that such details are often confidential.
The Core of the Dispute: Trademarking a Number
the conflict began in July 2024 when Jackson opposed Aikman’s application to trademark the word “EIGHT” for use on various products, including apparel, beer, beach towels, bags, and energy drinks. Jackson already holds trademarks related to the number 8, including phrases like “Era 8 by lamar Jackson,” “Era 8,” and “You 8 yet?”
Jackson argued that Aikman’s use of “EIGHT” would create confusion among consumers, perhaps leading them to beleive his products were officially endorsed or affiliated with the Baltimore Ravens quarterback.
The number 8 has a rich history in sports, worn by numerous legendary athletes across different disciplines. Steve Young (NFL), Cal Ripken Jr. (MLB),and Kobe Bryant (NBA) are just a few examples of iconic figures who have donned the number,highlighting the challenge of claiming exclusive branding rights to a single digit.
A Pattern of Trademark Oppositions
this wasn’t Jackson’s first foray into trademark disputes. Since november 2023, he has filed oppositions against multiple parties seeking to trademark uses of the number 8.
Notably, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s company withdrew its trademark application shortly after Jackson’s opposition in April. Jackson’s decision to drop his challenge to aikman’s trademarks follows a similar pattern, suggesting a strategic reassessment of his broader trademark strategy.