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NFL asks Houston Cougars to stop wearing Oilers-inspired uniforms, report says

Gillberg
NFL asks Houston Cougars to stop wearing Oilers-inspired uniforms, report says

The NFL has reportedly threatened legal action against the University of Houston over its Oilers-inspired alternate uniforms, demanding that the football team stop wearing them.

The league sent a cease and desist letter to the university, the Houston Chronicle reported, arguing that the uniforms were a “blatant copy” of Oilers-inspired jerseys. The NFL also asked the university to stop the sale of merchandise related to the uniforms and remove any campaigns or social media posts featuring the uniforms.

The Cougars unveiled the new uniforms on August 31, which include a sky blue jersey with red accents, white pants with sky blue and white stripes on the side. and “Houston” on the helmet in baby blue, outlined in red with baby blue and red stripes down the center.

Houston Cougars wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the UTSA Roadrunners at TDECU Stadium.Houston Cougars wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the UTSA Roadrunners at TDECU Stadium.

Houston Cougars wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the UTSA Roadrunners at TDECU Stadium.

The Cougars did not mention the Oilers in the uniform release, but they are close to the throwback uniforms the Tennessee Titans wore Sunday against the Falcons. Houston wore the uniforms in the regular season opener against the UTSA Roadrunners on September 2 and had a ticket deal called “Love You Houston”, which is similar to the name of the Oilers uniforms of “Luv Ya Blue.”

The Chronicle reported that the NFL informed Houston seven months before the uniform’s release that it did not authorize the university’s use of the uniforms. The NFL said the uniforms “constitute trademark infringement, false advertising, false association, misappropriation and unfair competition under the federal Lanham Act.”

“The Houston Cougars’ attempt to freely profit from the popularity of the NFL and the club violates the intellectual property rights of the NFL and the (Tennessee) Titans,” attorney Bonnie L. Jarrett wrote in the letter. October 13, the outlet reported. .

Houston has not worn the uniforms since its season-opening victory, and Houston does not have uniform-related merchandise on its online store.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL demands Houston Cougars stop wearing Oilers-inspired uniforms

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