Ravens' Lamar Jackson, NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Resolve Trademark Dispute

Two of the most famous athletes to use the No. 8 have resolved a trademark dispute over the number.

Per ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson filed an opposition claim with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week to prevent NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. from using a stylized No. 8 on merchandise.

Earnhardt announced on social media on Friday that the issue has been resolved:

Hensley noted that Jackson, who previously trademarked "ERA 8 by Lamar Jackson" and launched an apparel line in 2018, argued in the filing that Earnhardt's attempt to trademark would create confusion among consumers.

The No. 8 font used by Dale Earnhardt Jr. had been under trademark to Dale Earnhardt Inc., which was operated by Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Jr.'s stepmother, following Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s death at the 2001 Daytona 500.

Teresa allowed the trademark to expire on June 3, 2024, opening the door for Dale Jr. to acquire it. He addressed the possibility in a statement released on June 4:

“So there’s been this conversation on social media, online about the old DEI trademark for the No. 8. And all the things you’re reading about that for the most part are true. We have noticed that, at least as far as I know, Teresa hasn’t re-upped for that trademark. And Kelley and I both were interested in acquitting ownership of that."

The Athletic's Jeff Gluck noted Jackson wasn't challenging the particular No. 8 font that has been associated with Earnhardt. Jr. throughout his career, but rather a second version that is "also slanted but in a different font" that Jackson believed would result in consumer confusion.

This wasn't the first time that Jackson was involved in a legal dispute over No. 8. He challenged Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman's attempt to use "EIGHT" on handbags and apparel last year for similar reasons.

Jackson has worn No. 8 since his freshman year at Lousiville in 2015. The two-time NFL MVP has said in the past he would change his number to one if he ever won a Super Bowl.

Earnhardt drove the No. 8 for Dale Earnhardt Inc. on the NASCAR Cup Series from 1999 to 2007, but he switched to No. 88 in 2008 after joining Hendrick Motorsports.

Since retiring as a full-time driver after the 2017 season, Earnhardt has used No. 8 when he competes in short-track events.