Troy Aikman, Lamar Jackson Settle Trademark Dispute Over Number 8
A high-profile trademark dispute between NFL legends Troy Aikman and Lamar Jackson has come to a close. According to court documents filed yesterday, Jackson has withdrawn his challenge to Aikman’s trademark application for the word “EIGHT.”
The filing ends a year-long battle over rights to the number 8, which is associated with both players.
In a filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Jackson moved to withdraw his oppositions “with prejudice” to two pending Aikman applications. The withdrawal is notable because it states that Aikman did not consent, a sign that the settlement terms likely favored the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback. A withdrawal “with prejudice” means Jackson cannot bring the same claim again in the future.
The dispute began on July 9, 2024, when Jackson filed to block Aikman’s trademark applications for “EIGHT” in connection with clothing and athletic bags. Jackson, who has his own trademarks including “ERA 8” and “ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON,” argued that Aikman’s use and registration of “EIGHT” was likely to cause confusion in the marketplace.
As the case wore on, Aikman’s attorneys made filings telling the USPTO that Jackson’s legal team had been unresponsive in the case. In March, they even filed a motion to compel discovery, alleging Jackson’s side had failed to respond to requests for information.
While the exact terms of the settlement remain confidential, the resolution clears the way for both quarterbacks to use their respective trademarks.
Josh Gerben, Esq.
Josh Gerben, Esq. is a nationally recognized trademark attorney and the founder of Gerben IP. Since launching the firm in 2008, he has overseen the registration of over 10,000 trademarks and handled over 1,500 trademark disputes. Josh's practice focuses on building and defending global trademark portfolios for clients. These clients include entrepreneurs, private equity-backed businesses, athletes, celebrities, and public companies. Frequently quoted by major media outlets like CNBC, CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Josh is widely regarded as a leading authority in trademark law.
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