While Lamar Jackson works his way to a Hall of Fame career in football, he is taking as a host of other sports off the field. Months after tackling former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman’s trademark application for the word eight, he has made a similar legal attempt concerning NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s trademark of the number 8.
As first reported trademark attorney Josh Gerben, a notice of opposition has been filed on behalf of Jackson with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
“Jackson’s filing argues that Earnhardt Jr.’s registration could misleadingly suggest an association between the two athletes and violate some of his rights.”
Gerber is the opinion that Jackson, Earnhardt Jr., and Aikman will receive some form of trademark related to their personal brands, although those trademarks will be different from another.
In his words, “None of the athletes are probably going to obtain exclusive ownership of the number 8. It is an utterly generic and overused mark in sports and merchandising.” He added, “In the end, Jackson, Aikman, and Earnhardt Jr. will most likely all be granted their registrations and will coexist on the trademark register with different branding strategies.”
Aikman had a field day with Jackson’s pleading from the previous summer, saying he would be willing to resolve the issue over a few drinks his Eight Beers, most likely. We’ll see if Earnhardt gives a similar response. Maybe the two of them could race to the trademark.
