Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

University of Houston in hot water with NFL over copyright infringement

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 10/30/23

The Houston Cougars’ “Luv Ya Blue” uniforms were a big hit with seemingly everyone — except the NFL, that is.

According to a report from the Houston Chronicle, the NFL’s merchandising and licensing division sent the school a cease-and-desist letter threatening legal action if Houston did not immediately stop wearing, promoting and selling merchandise relating to the Oilers-inspired jersey that share the same color scheme and similar branding.

“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,” the NFL wrote in Oct. 13 cease-and-desist letter to University of Houston https://t.co/9Cd4Utv07R
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) October 30, 2023

The NFL informed Houston executive director for brand management, licensing and trademarks Patrick Mulligan and vice chancellor/vice president for marketing and communications Lisa Holdeman months ago that they did not have permission from the league to use the Oilers-based color scheme and design.

However, that did not stop Houston from wearing the jerseys in its Sept. 2 season-opener against UTSA, stating it was paying a tribute to the city’s football history. The NFL says the jerseys are “blatant copying” of the throwback Oilers jerseys worn by the Tennessee Titans in Sunday’s 28-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The university has removed several social-media posts referencing the jerseys and removed any depiction of them in hype videos. While wildly popular with high demand, the school did not sell any merchandise relating to the “Luv Ya Blue” jerseys.

Per the Houston Chronicle, the NFL “will treat any future unauthorized use of the NFL marks, including the Oilers Trade Dress, as intentional and willful, which would entitle (NFL Properties) to enhanced damages and reimbursement of its attorneys’ fees.”

More must-reads: