Lamar Jackson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Photo via Imagn Images)
Lamar Jackson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are currently in a legal dispute regarding the trademark of the number 8.
Jackson, who has a history with the number 8, is challenging Earnhardt Jr. for the legal use of the number.
The NFL quarterback, who has prominently worn No. 8 throughout his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, filed a Notice of Opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The two-time NFL MVP challenges Earnhardt’s intent to trademark a stylized version of the number 8, which Earnhardt uses on his race cars. Jackson argues that the NASCAR legend’s trademark application conflicts with his own established rights.
However, Jackson has previously trademarked phrases, including “ERA 8” and “ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON,” covering various products such as clothing and sports gear.
Jackson claims he is “widely associated” with No. 8 due to his NFL accomplishments in his opposition filing. According to him, Earnhardt’s trademarks could misleadingly suggest a connection between the two athletes.
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Earnhardt is seeking protections for merchandise related to apparel and toys, such as die-cast cars. The matter will advance to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
Lamar Jackson Went Against Troy Aikman Over Number 8 Last Year
Lamar Jackson (Photo by Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
While Lamar Jackson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are going up against each other, this isn’t Jackson’s first going bonkers over number 8.
He previously objected to Troy Aikman’s use of the number in a different trademark complaint.
The two star NFL quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Troy Aikman, were in the middle of a surprising legal battle over the number 8 last year. According to reports from ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, Lamar took issue with Troy using “eight” on his merchandise. He claimed that it could confuse fans about which quarterback the products are really linked to.
Lamar filed his complaint on July 9 against a company called FL101, where Aikman is a director. FL101 owns several trademarks featuring the number 8, mostly for beverages like beer and energy drinks.
Jackson’s team argued that Aikman’s products are very similar in how they sound and look, as well as what they represent.
What’s particularly interesting is that Lamar believes he’s done a lot to promote the number 8 as part of his own brand. He holds trademarks like “Era 8” and “You 8 yet?” to capitalize on that.
Christine Farley, an intellectual property law professor, weighed in on this unusual dispute. He noted that you can actually trademark many things, including numbers. So, while some might wonder how you can own a number, the reality is that one can indeed trademark a number, just like scents or colors!
Major Update Released On Domestic Violence Case For The Father Of Former Dallas Cowboys Superstar
Leighton Vander Esch (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
The criminal charges Leighton Vander Esch’s father, Darwin, had been facing related to an alleged domestic violence incident got a major update this week.
The criminal charges have been dropped, per TMZ.
He was arrested in Idaho this past December on charges that included felony attempted strangulation.
Darwin Vander Esch was arrested for felony attempted strangulation and cited for misdemeanor domestic battery and misdemeanor intentional destruction of a telecommunication device.
The charges were dismissed last Thursday.
“She stated that she is not in fear of the defendant,” officials wrote in a motion to dismiss the matter. “And for the sake of family unity she informed your movant she wanted the charges dismissed.”
They added, “[There have] been no problems or incidents between the defendant and the victim since the day these charges occurred.”
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Leighton Vander Esch, who retired due to injuries, has never publically commented on his father’s arrest.
The former Cowboys linebacker was a walk-on at Boise State and eventually became Dallas’ first-round pick in the 2018 draft. Over his six seasons, Leighton Vander Esch made 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, and made three interceptions.
He was a Pro Bowler in 2018 as a rookie and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team that same year.
Leighton Vander Esch’s Mother Filed For Divorce
Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Darwin Vander Esch was arrested on December 1 in Idaho after allegedly strangling Sandra Vander Esch during a heated altercation.
The incident reportedly began at a bar where the couple argued before escalating at their home. Darwin was accused of placing his hands around Sandra’s throat for approximately 10-15 seconds, “pushing and squeezing” until she freed herself.
Sandra was also pushed to the ground during the altercation and later locked out of the house.
Just one day after the incident, the mother of Vander Esch filed for divorce, signaling the end of their long-standing marriage amid the serious allegations.
