NFL’s Lamar Jackson Initiates Legal Proceeding Against NASCAR Star Over Trademark Dispute

NFL’s Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has taken legal action against NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. over the use of No. 8. Dale Jr., which has a pending trademark claim tied to his JR Motorsports team.

Jackson has challenged the trademark claim, with his attorneys filing a notice of opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The notice states that Dale Jr. uses a slanted font similar to Jackson’s “Era 8” brand. This would lead potential customers to “mistakenly believe the products [Earnhardt Jr.] offers under the mark 8 are related to the products and services provided by [Jackson],” The Athletic quoted Jackson’s filing.

Jackson’s brand deals with “bottoms as clothing, footwear, headwear, tops as clothing [and] undergarments.” The notice further states:

“[Earnhardt Jr.’s] mark falsely suggests a connection with persons, living or dead, namely, Lamar Jackson, who is well known by the number 8.”

According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben, Jackson has challenged the claim on the basis of his own trademark registrations for ‘ERA 8’ and ‘ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON.’

Dale Jr. seeks similar protection for products featuring his trademark, which include toys, die-cast cars, and apparel. This led Jackson’s team to argue that customers may be confused about the brand owner, considering the similarities in the trademark.

The process will be similar to a federal court case, but limited to registration issues. Last year, Jackson challenged Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who had claimed a trademark for the word “EIGHT.” Gerben states that the case remains active.

Dale Jr. has yet to respond to the opposition. The news comes amid another brewing legal battle between NASCAR teams Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and Legacy Motor Club for an alleged breach of a charter agreement by RWR.

Legacy Motor claimed that RWR backtracked on the contract, where it promised to pay up to $40 million. A lawsuit filed by Legacy Motor claims that RWR agreed to sell one of its charters but was now refusing to honor the contract. As a result, Legacy Motor was seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent RWR from selling the charter to another party. Newsweek Sports reported the contents of the lawsuit:

“Despite having a binding deal in place, RWR wants to back out. It has told Legacy that it will not, under any circumstances, close the parties’ transaction. Legacy has tried to talk sense into RWR, to no avail. Legacy’s patience has run out. It now brings this suit to enforce its rights and hold RWR to its deal.”

Yesterday, RWR responded to the lawsuit in a statement. It reads:

“This lawsuit distorts the actual facts and is a misguided attempt to tarnish our reputation. RWR has negotiated in good faith and operated with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We are confident that the truth will prevail and look forward to swiftly resolving this matter through the proper legal channels.”

With legal battles heating up in NASCAR, it remains to be seen if they will have any impact on the performance of concerned teams on the racetrack.