Lamar Jackson disputes Troy Aikman's trademark bid for No. 8 - ESPN

Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is challenging Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman's use of their shared No. 8 in a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office complaint, according to federal records.

Jackson, who owns or has applied for several trademarks using the number in various phrases, says Aikman's attempt to use «EIGHT» on apparel and bags would be «likely to cause confusion, or cause mistake, or to deceive» the purchasing public as to whether they're buying products from Jackson or Aikman's company, Jackson's attorney said in July 9 filings.

Jackson «has expended considerable time, effort, and expense in promoting, advertising, and popularizing the number 8 in connection with his personality and fame» and «is well-known by this number due to his notoriety and fame, along with his promotion of this number in his trademarks and in media coverage,» according to the appeals.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback, through his attorney, has filed two appeals to the trademark office against FL101, a company that lists Aikman as one of its directors in SEC filings, targeting its use of «EIGHT» on apparel and bags. FL101 is listed as the owner of nine trademark applications for the use of «EIGHT» on a variety of consumer products, including beer, beach towels and energy drinks.

Messages left with FL101's attorneys were not immediately returned to ESPN. Jackson's attorney did not immediately respond to questions sent by ESPN to her email.

Both Jackson and Aikman wore the No. 8 for the entirety of their professional careers. Aikman wore No. 8 in college at UCLA, and Jackson wore the number at Louisville. Aikman played 12 seasons as the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback and is now a Monday Night Football analyst for ESPN.

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