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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Eartnhardt Jr. are reportedly involved in a trademark dispute over the right to use a stylized version of the No. 8,
Jackson, 28, who has worn No. 8 since his collegiate career at Louisville in 2015 and had previously registered the trademark "ERA 8 by Lamar Jackson," filed an opposition claim with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday (April 2) to cease Earnhardt, 50, from selling slanted No. 8 merchandising, a number he used from 1999 to 2007. The quarterback's filing claimed that Earnhardt's attempt to trademark the No. 8 would create confusion among buyers.
"[Jackson] has expended considerable time, effort, and expense in promoting, advertising, and popularizing the number 8 in connection with his personality and fame ... with the result that the relevant purchasing public has come to know, rely upon, and recognize [his] trademarks as very strong indicators of the source of [his] products provided in connection with his marks," the filing stated via ESPN.
A trademark review for a challenge may take more than a year to be completed. Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, had previously attempted to stop Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman's attempt to use "EIGHT" on apparel and bags last year.
"We're going to keep this about football. That's outside noise. We're sticking with [talking about training] camp, football, and that's it," Jackson said via ESPN when asked about the dispute last summer.