Houston Cougars throwback uniforms attract the ire of the NFL over ‘blatant copying’ of the iconic Oilers jersey

Cougars cannot use their uniform as Titans used to have similar uniform until 1996.

Houston Cougars throwback uniforms attract the ire of the NFL over ‘blatant copying’ of the iconic Oilers jersey

The Houston Cougars uniform is very similar to that of the Titans' Oilers-inspired uniforms. (via University of Houston Athletics/Tennessee Titans)

The NFL is cracking down on the University of Houston’s choice of jerseys for their season-opener. The light blue jerseys were inspired by the Houston Oilers and due to their historical significance, are very popular amongst fans. The Cougars wanted to kick their season off by sporting these throwbacks. However, the NFL decided to take legal action over their choice of uniforms.

The league’s official merchandise and license division resorted to sending a cease-and-desist letter to the Houston Cougars mandating them to avoid using the Oilers-inspired uniforms anymore as per ESPN. The Oilers’ “Luv Ya Blue” uniforms were recently sported by the Tennessee Titans in the team’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

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The Titans and Houston Cougars uniforms are almost identical. So, the NFL sent a letter to the University of Houston in a case of ‘blatant copying’. Although the Cougars didn’t mention the Oilers, it’s obvious they inspired these jerseys.

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In its letter, the league said it had told the Cougars before the 2023 season that they couldn’t use a certain uniform style. This is because the Titans used to wear uniforms like that when they were in Houston until 1996.

The Houston Cougars uniform
The Houston Cougars’ throwback uniforms (via University of Houston Athletics)

If the Cougars also sport a similar jersey, fans would purchase their merchandise because it would cost them lesser than an NFL throwback jersey. The Tennessee Titans still hold the rights to all trademarks acquired in the name of the Oilers.

The Houston Chronicle reported that the NFL’s legal representative wrote a letter dated October 13th. It read:

The Houston Cougars' attempt to free ride on the popularity of the NFL. The club violates the intellectual property rights of the NFL and the Titans.

The league expressed its concerns that the Cougars’ jerseys are likely to mislead customers to believe that the team is associated with or is an authorized licensee of the NFL and the Tennessee Titans.

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