Houston fans take another big loss with the Titans’ Oilers throwbacks
NASHVILLE — The National Football League is taking legal action against the University of Houston and putting an end to the school's "Luv Ya Blue" football uniform that pays tribute to the Houston Oilers. The Tennessee Titans, who own the history and intellectual property of all things Houston Oilers, debuted the throwback Oilers jerseys this […]
NASHVILLE — The National Football League is taking legal action against the University of Houston and putting an end to the school's "Luv Ya Blue" football uniform that pays tribute to the Houston Oilers.
The Tennessee Titans, who own the history and intellectual property of all things Houston Oilers, debuted the throwback Oilers jerseys this past weekend with over 170 franchise alumni present.
In an effort to bring the beloved jerseys back to Houston and appease the fans upset with the Titans wearing them, the Houston Cougars decided to wear a (nearly exact) copycat uniform for their season opener.
But the city of Houston is taking another loss in the uniform department. The NFL cited "blatant copying" and copyright infringement on the cease-and-desist letter sent to the university.
According to NFL officials, UH decided to wear the uniforms after being explicitly told that the league did not consent to the use of the brand.
Outside of swapping the classic oil derrick logo out for the word "Houston" across the chest and helmet, these jerseys really are a complete knock off. Who could really blame them? The Titans have been praised nationally for bringing back what many believe to be the best throwback uniform in sports. Houston just wants in on the fun.
Unfortunately for them, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue agreed to retire the Oilers nickname for any future franchise in Houston and awarded Bud Adams the intellectual property to all things Oilers when Bud moved the team to Tennessee. It's going to stay that way.
Why the Titans are right to wear the Oilers jerseys, not Houston
The Oilers are the Titans. End of story.