Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson is Battling NASCAR Icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson is embroiled in an unexpected legal battle with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. This legal dispute revolves around trademark rights, with Jackson’s legal team filing an opposition claim against Earnhardt’s application for a stylized number 8 trademark.
Lamar Jackson’s Opposition: Protecting His Trademark Rights
On April 2, Jackson’s attorneys filed a ‘notice of opposition’ with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, taking a firm stance against Earnhardt Jr.’s attempt to trademark a stylized number 8. According to Jackson’s legal team, the application conflicts with Jackson’s own trademark rights. The NFL quarterback has registered trademarks for both ‘ERA 8’ and ‘ERA 8 BY LAMAR JACKSON,’ which he believes are at risk of being diluted by Earnhardt Jr.’s mark.
Jackson’s lawyers argue that the two trademarks are strikingly similar, potentially confusing consumers and misrepresenting the association of products linked to Jackson and Earnhardt. As one of the NFL’s most iconic quarterbacks, Jackson has built a personal brand that is deeply associated with the number 8, a number he has worn proudly throughout his career with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Impact of the Number 8: Lamar Jackson’s Connection to the Symbol
Lamar Jackson’s connection to the number 8 is more than just a jersey number. It’s a symbol of his legacy and success in the NFL. Over his seven seasons with the Ravens, Jackson has become one of the most popular quarterbacks in the league. He finished last season with the seventh-best-selling jersey, a testament to his influence and widespread recognition in the world of sports.
The legal opposition filed by Jackson’s team highlights the potential confusion that could arise if Earnhardt Jr.’s stylized number 8 were to be trademarked. Jackson’s legal team asserts that such a trademark could falsely imply a connection between the two athletes, which could mislead consumers into thinking that products associated with Earnhardt Jr. are somehow linked to Jackson’s own personal brand.
A Clash of Titans: Lamar Jackson vs. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
While Lamar Jackson is well-known for his on-field prowess, Dale Earnhardt Jr. commands immense respect in the world of motorsports. According to data from YouGov, Earnhardt Jr. holds a significant fame advantage, with a fame index of 85%. This index measures the percentage of the U.S. population who have heard of an individual. In comparison, Jackson has a fame index of 67%, placing him lower on the list. Despite the fame disparity, Jackson’s legal action emphasizes the importance of protecting his personal brand and the iconic number 8.
Interestingly, Jackson isn’t just dealing with Earnhardt Jr. over trademark disputes. The Ravens QB is also in the middle of a similar legal battle with Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, who is reportedly involved in a copyright claim over the number 8. Jackson’s relentless efforts to protect his brand and trademarks show his determination to safeguard what he has built both on and off the field.
Lamar Jackson’s Contract Negotiations Loom
This trademark dispute isn’t the only significant matter on Lamar Jackson’s mind. As the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson is also in the midst of ongoing contract negotiations. His current deal, a five-year, $260 million contract, is set to expire in a few years, and both Jackson and the Ravens will need to work out a new agreement soon.
Jackson’s contract situation is complicated by the fact that he does not have a traditional agent and represents himself in negotiations. This unique arrangement adds an extra layer of complexity to discussions, as Jackson continues to balance legal matters and football business.
With his 2026 salary cap figure projected to rise to a staggering $74.65 million, Jackson and the Ravens will need to find common ground before then. The two sides previously had a rocky negotiation process, which even included the Ravens placing a franchise tag on Jackson before agreeing to a new deal.
As Lamar Jackson continues to navigate both legal challenges and contract negotiations, fans of the Baltimore Ravens will be closely watching how these issues unfold. With his legal actions against Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Troy Aikman, Jackson is showing just how important his personal brand and the number 8 are to him. At the same time, his upcoming contract negotiations with the Ravens are sure to be a key topic of discussion in the months ahead.
As the legal battle rages on, Jackson’s name is certain to remain in the headlines, not just for his prowess on the football field, but for his ability to protect his brand in the court of law.
Will Lamar Jackson be able to defend his trademark rights against the likes of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Troy Aikman? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Lamar Jackson isn’t backing down.
Gerald Ng is an NFL journalist with over a decade of experience writing for major sports outlets such as Bleacher Report and Yahoo!. When not covering the NFL, Gerald enjoys a variety of sports and is an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.