Josh Gerben and ESPN Discuss How Lamar Jackson Ended Dispute with Aikman Over Trademarks

Last year, Lamar Jackson challenged the registration of some “EIGHT” trademarks, filed by fellow quarterback, Troy Aikman. Jackson recently withdrew his challenge before the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, allowing Aikman’s trademarks to proceed towards registration.

ESPN spoke to trademark attorney Josh Gerben for insight on the legal filing. 

“Lamar is withdrawing this saying it’s with prejudice,” said Josh Gerben of Gerben IP. “Meaning I can never file this again, and I’m not even having the consent of the defendant.”

It’s unclear whether Jackson and Aikman had come to an agreement regarding the coexistence of their trademarks. As Gerben said, “We wouldn’t really know that, though. We wouldn’t have any information here to be able to tell us.”

Source: Rothstein, Michael. https://www.espn.com. “Lamar Jackson withdraws challenge of Aikman’s No. 8 trademarks”. 13 August 2025.