NFL MVP Lamar Jackson sues Amazon over unlicensed merchandise
The complaint claims that Amazon’s actions damaged Jackson's apparel brand
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson filed a federal lawsuit against Amazon on Wednesday, accusing the e-commerce giant of profiting from the sale of unlicensed merchandise on its platform.
In the complaint, Jackson, 23, notes that Amazon’s third-party marketplace featured items bearing his likeness and related catchphrases, such as “Action Jackson” and “Not bad for a running back.” The NFL star asked the federal court in Florida to compel Amazon to pull the items offline and pay him compensatory damages.
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“Amazon is deliberately attempting to confuse and deceive the public that the infringing items are affiliated or endorsed by Lamar Jackson as a part of his brand to commercially exploit Lamar’s celebrity and notoriety for significant profit," Jackson’s law firm, Ritter Chusid LLP, said in a statement obtained by the Baltimore Sun.
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Jackson operates his own line of merchandise, dubbed Era 8 Apparel. The complaint claims that Amazon’s actions damaged the brand.
Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
Jackson became just the second player in NFL history to be unanimously named Most Valuable Player following a dominant 2019 season. The Ravens quarterback threw 36 touchdown passes against just six interceptions and rushed for an additional seven touchdowns.
Jackson is entering the third year of his four-year, $9.45 million contract with the Ravens.
