This Week in Trademark News: Crazy 8’s, Olympic PRIMEtime, and Marky Mark.

Troy Aikman and Lamar Jackson Face Off Over ‘Eight’ Trademark

In a headline-grabbing dispute, NFL legend Troy Aikman and current star Lamar Jackson find themselves on opposing sides of a trademark battle over the number ‘Eight.’ Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback, recently filed to trademark application to register ‘Eight’ to expand his brand. However, Jackson, the current Baltimore Ravens All-Pro, also known for wearing jersey number 8, has raised objections. This clash underscores the intricate challenges athletes face when branding numerical identities. As both sides gear up to meet on the legal gridiron, the case highlights the complexities of using common words and numbers as trademarks, particularly in the sports industry where such identifiers hold significant personal and commercial value.

U.S. Olympic Committee Takes Legal Action Against Logan Paul’s Prime Hydration

In another significant development, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) started a legal wrestling match with social media turned WWE star Logan Paul’s Prime Hydration over Prime’s use of marks including “OLYMPIC,” “OLYMPIAN,” “TEAM USA,” and “GOING FOR GOLD” on its product packaging and in its online advertisements. The USOC claims that Prime Hydration’s branding infringes on its iconic trademarks, which could confuse consumers. The USOC’s vigorous defense of its trademarks demonstrates the lengths it will go to protect its brand integrity. For entrepreneurs and businesses, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conducting comprehensive trademark searches and ensuring brand differentiation to avoid infringing on established marks.

Mark Wahlberg’s Wahlburgers Sues LA Food Truck for Trademark Infringement

Mark Wahlberg’s burger chain, Wahlburgers, is (em)broiled in a legal dispute with a Los Angeles-based food truck over alleged trademark infringement. During recent stops, the food truck has been spotted using the trademark WAHLBURGERS along with other Wahlburgers’s branding. In response, Wahlburgers hit the food truck with a Dirk Diggler karate chop by filing a lawsuit seeking, among other things, any profits the food truck made while using Wahlburgers’s intellectual property. This lawsuit highlights the critical need for businesses to establish and protect a unique brand identity, particularly in the competitive food and beverage sector, and the risks to entrepreneurs using marketing stunts to generate business.

Conclusion

This week’s trademark news spans the sports, entertainment, and culinary industries, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of trademark law. From the NFL gridiron to the Olympic stage and Hollywood’s restaurant scene, these cases illustrate the strategic importance of trademarks in brand identity and market positioning. As these stories unfold, they offer valuable lessons for businesses and individuals alike on the importance of protecting intellectual property.

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