In a statement of claim filed on December 28th on behalf of the NFL, the similarities between the oil derrick in the logo of the defunct Houston Oilers and a similar oil derrick in the Houston Roughnecks’ logo are pointed out. Even though the Houston Oilers are no longer in operation, the NFL owns the trademark, and as a part of the claim they feel the XFL’s use of a similar logo may impact their ability to sell Oilers merchandise.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben recently tweeted out details of the claim, and a video, on his Twitter feed. Gerben has no connection to the litigation.
The NFL has opposed a trademark application for the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks logo.
On December 28th, the NFL filed court documents claiming the Roughneck’s logo was too similar to the Houston Oiler’s logo.
Perhaps the first of many @TheRock vs. NFL battles?
When asked for a response, an XFL spokesperson indicated they did not have a comment on the information that was circulating. This is not a surprise, considering the legal nature of the matter.
