The New York Jets may have some legal work to do. A former employee has filed a lawsuit against the franchise. It’s about the Throwback logo
Throwback uniforms are a popular marketing move for NFL teams. Time and again, the franchises look back on their glorious past and in some cases get the older fans back on board.
The New York Jets also took a look at their own history during this year’s offseason.
In April of this year, the franchise around star quarterback Aaron Rodgers released a uniform that incorporates throwback elements of the Jets.
Among other things, the players’ helmets feature the team’s old logo. The part of a jet can be seen above the Jets lettering. Previously, the Jets logo with the lettering and a football always adorned the helmet.
The old logo was designed in 1978 by Jim Pons, who worked as film and video director for the New York franchise at the time. The logo was used by the Jets for around 20 years (until 1997), when the new logo with the football replaced the old crest.
Now the throwback to Pons’ logo, which could cause legal problems for the Jets. Pons, who no longer works for the Jets, has sued the franchise.
Jets respond to accusation: “Unfounded “
The Jets paid tribute to Pons at the unveiling of the new, old logo, but according to “TMZ” he is now demanding damages in an unspecified amount, the cancellation of the sign and an assurance that the franchise will not be allowed to use the logo without his consent and compensation.
The reason: Pons claims that the logo belongs to him and was created outside of his work for the team.
The franchise rejected the accusation for the time being. “We are aware of the complaint,” the Jets explained in a statement to the New York Post.
“The trademark has been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for nearly 50 years. Since that time, the mark has been used continuously in numerous variations. We believe this claim is without merit. “
Pons changes opinion on logo use
Pons claims the Jets are benefiting from his work through the Throwback move and that’s why he wants a piece of the profits.
When the Throwback was first announced, Pons was pleasantly surprised. “It was a big surprise. It came out of the blue,” the 81-year-old was quoted as saying on the Jets website. “I had no idea they were even thinking about it, and I didn’t know it was that popular with Jets fans. They told me the fans wanted us to go back to the old logo, my logo. So that’s really wonderful. I’m very happy about it, very proud of it.”
His opinion seems to have changed – possibly also because money is now involved.
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