The NFL has ordered the University of Houston to stop usage of all Oilers-inspired alternates, believing the team is infringing on a well-established trademark.
The Houston Oilers were the city’s NFL franchise from 1960 to 1996, before selling the status to Tennessee Titans.
The Texans was formed in 1999, they were included as an expansion team into the NFL, the youngest club to achieve this feat.
But the problem is not with the Texans but rather the UH Cougars as a trademark lawyer states.
“The Houston Cougars’ attempt to free ride on the popularity of the NFL and the club violates the intellectual property rights of the NFL and the (Tennessee) Titans,” wrote attorney Bonnie L. Jarrett in the cease-and-desist letter sent in the middle of October.
On 31 August UH released a uniform which closely matched the Oilers colors and look and feel.
According to the NFL this is an illegal use of trademark.
