Fla. Court Tosses ‘Gold Jacket’ Trademark Suit Against NFL

By Editorial Team

A Florida federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the estate of a man who claimed that the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame violated the trademark associated with the iconic Gold Jacket presented to inductees. The judge ruled that the claims were improperly delayed and lacked sufficient detail in the complaint.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleged trademark infringement by the NFL and the Hall of Fame. However, Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks determined that the claims did not meet the legal standards required for the case to proceed.

Law360 reported that the lawsuit was brought by the estate of the individual who was seeking to protect the trademark associated with the Gold Jacket, a prestigious symbol given to NFL Hall of Fame inductees. The lawsuit named several parties, including the NFL Enterprises LLC and the National Football Museum Inc.

Legal firms involved in the case included Baker Botts, Litchfield Cavo, and Lott & Fischer. Companies such as Haggar Clothing Co. were also mentioned in the lawsuit.

The court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit highlights the challenges of proving trademark infringement in cases involving iconic symbols like the Gold Jacket. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of meeting legal standards and providing sufficient evidence when pursuing such claims.