Taking advantage of an NCAA interpretation of the amateurism rules that allows a student-athlete to return funds received through litigation, Johnny Manziel’s corporation, JMAN2 Enterprises, has filed suit against Eric Vaughan for the sale of t-shirts using “Johnny Football.”  The lawsuit seeks damages for the use of “Johnny Football” in accordance with a trademark theory.  Under Texas law, an individual or entity has common law trademark rights even though the mark has not been registered with the USPTO or the process has not completed. 

For any questions, feel free to contact Christian Dennie at cdennie@bgsfirm.com.