Lamar Jackson has decided to back down.
Records from the US Patent and Trademark Office indicate that Jackson has withdrawn his challenge against Troy Aikman’s No. 8 trademark after over a year of discussions.
Aikman, along with his company, sought these trademarks in 2024. Jackson, who already holds trademarks involving that number, filed his opposition in July of the same year.
Reportedly, his lawyer, Andrea Evans, submitted a motion on Monday to retract the challenge without Aikman’s agreement.
According to reports, on Tuesday, an accord was reached for the Patent and Trademark Office’s Appeal Committee to dismiss the opposition’s claims.
“Lamar acknowledges he’s biased,” said Josh Gelben, a trademark attorney at Gelben Law. “We can’t refile this. We haven’t even come to a consensus here.”
One of Jackson’s main issues was that Aikman’s company, FL101, had incorporated the number “8” into various products like clothing, bags, beer, and energy drinks.
In his initial opposition, Jackson suggested that the use of “8” might confuse fans and consumers when they shop for these items.
With Jackson’s recent withdrawal, FL101 is free to continue using the branding they applied for last year.
Gerben further noted that it remains unclear whether Aikman and Jackson’s teams have reached any sort of private settlement, as details are scarce.
Aikman’s attorney, Brad D. Rose, stated in an email that, “Jackson’s decision to withdraw was made voluntarily following the TTAB decision against him.” He added that, in his view, Jackson’s claims seemed excessive and should not have been filed to begin with.
This isn’t the first time Jackson has had complications regarding Aikman. His legal team has been involved with Aikman and Dale Earnhardt Jr. since November 2023.
Jackson isn’t the only prominent athlete associated with the number 8; figures like the late Kobe Bryant, Cal Ripken Jr., and Steve Young also wore it.
