Lamar Jackson decided to withdraw his challenge against Troy Aikman’s trademarks centered on the No. 8. This happened last week. Strangely, Jackson did it without Aikman’s team’s approval.
Jackson filed the challenge in April 2024, and it lasted almost a year. Because of this, ESPN investigated the situation to uncover what motivated the Baltimore Ravens quarterback to act that way.
An unexpected move from Lamar
According to The Sports Rush, Jackson withdrew his challenge without Aikman’s consent. ESPN reviewed records from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and spoke with trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Law.
“Lamar is withdrawing this with prejudice, which means I can never refile this, and I don’t even have the defendant’s consent,” Gerben explained.
Hey Lamar – looks like a worthy conversation over a couple cold EIGHT beers!🍺🍺 Maybe Steve Young can arbitrate?? https://t.co/rPLVThmSMg @Lj_era8 @SteveYoungQB @drinkeightbeer @espn pic.twitter.com/M0aDiYka2J
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) July 20, 2024
The sports network also contacted Aikman’s attorneys and the three-time Super Bowl champion himself. Aikman’s representatives responded: “Mr. Jackson’s withdrawal of the oppositions was made voluntarily by Mr. Jackson following certain TTAB rulings against him. In my opinion, these ‘withdrawals with prejudice’ acknowledge that Mr. Jackson’s claims were an overreach and should never have been filed in the first place.”
Because of Jackson’s withdrawal, Aikman’s company can now use the requested trademarks. One of the most iconic examples is the use of “OCHO” on clothing, beer, beach towels, bags, and energy drinks, ESPN reported.
After this move, Jackson and Aikman can now focus on their NFL commitments. Jackson is training to win his first Super Bowl, while Aikman prepares to cover another NFL season on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
