NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has announced a change in his merchandising strategy concerning the No. 8 logo.
On Friday, Earnhardt revealed via social media that he has opted to adopt a new stylized version of the iconic No. 8, stepping away from the original design that was utilized by his NASCAR team, JR Motorsports.
This decision comes in the wake of an opposition filed by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday, aiming to prevent Earnhardt from using the initial JRM No. 8 rendition on any merchandise.
Expressing optimism, Earnhardt commented on social media, “We are looking forward to the remainder of an already successful season.”
The tension arose because Jackson, who has worn the number since playing college football at Louisville, has previously secured the trademark “ERA 8 by Lamar Jackson.”
He asserts that Earnhardt’s effort to trademark the similar No. 8 could potentially confuse consumers due to its similarity.
In light of the potential trademark issues, Earnhardt has circumvented a prolonged trademark review by opting for rebranding.
If the Patent and Trademark appeal board had ruled against Earnhardt, further action might have included legal proceedings initiated by Jackson had Earnhardt continued using that particular version of No. 8.