According to court documents, two players who wear the number 8 are planning to take their fight off the field over the trademark rights to their jersey numbers.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has applied for or owns multiple trademarks for his uniform numbers, is also challenging the name of a company, FL101 Inc., which has also filed for a trademark. Similar Trademarks.
Jackson argues that FL101, which has former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman on its board of directors, is seeking to use the “EIGHT” trademark “likely to confuse, mislead or deceive” purchasers, Jackson’s lawyers said in a July 9 court filing. According to ESPN:.
“[Jackson] “He has expended considerable time, effort and expense in promoting, advertising and popularizing the number eight in connection with his personality and fame,” the appeals court said, adding: “He is well known for the number as a result of his notoriety and fame, and the promotion of the number in his trademarks and in media reports.”
The trademark applications include FL101’s application for “EIGHT Light Beer Made Right” as well as 36 other trademark applications.
Jackson has applied for or owns trademarks including “Era 8,” “You 8 yet” and “Era 8 by Lamar Jackson.”
Both Aikman and Jackson wore the number 8 throughout their careers. Jackson wore it at Louisville where he won the Heisman Trophy. Aikman wore it at UCLA and later at Dallas.
Aikman, a Hall of Fame quarterback and ESPN “Monday Night Football” commentator, is seeking legal ownership of the number once worn by Lakers star Kobe Bryant and now worn by Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin.
Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP award winner, in 2024 and 2019, and also won the Heisman Trophy in 2016.
Aikman wore the No. 8 jersey at UCLA after transferring from Oklahoma, finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and was the first overall pick by the Cowboys in 1989.
Aikman helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowl titles during the 1990s.
