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As first reported by the Houston Chronicle, the NFL’s merchandising and licensing division lately despatched a “strongly-worded” cease-and-desist letter to the College of Houston to cease its soccer program from its carrying Oilers-inspired alternate uniforms once more.
The Cougars wore the uniforms – which characteristic a number of parts from the Oilers’ “Luv Ya Blue” period, together with a lightweight blue jersey, white helmets and white pants with a basic striping sample – throughout their 17-14 win over UTSA on Sept. 2.
Houston did not reference the Oilers during the uniform’s unveiling and as an alternative promoted them as a love letter to town, which the franchise known as dwelling from 1960 till they moved to Tennessee in 1997 and had been renamed the Titans in 1999.
Nonetheless, the NFL described the uniforms as “blatant copying” of the Oilers’ classic design and added that each the league and the Titans had been “upset” the Cougars made “unauthorized use” of the franchise’s historic likeness.
“The Houston Cougars’ try and free journey on the recognition of the NFL and the membership violates the mental property rights of the NFL and the Titans,” a league lawyer stated within the letter, which was set to the college on Oct. 13.
![](https://content.sportslogos.net/news/2023/11/tennessee-titans-throwback-houston-oilers-uniforms-2023-750x422.jpg)
Towards the desires of many Houston residents, the Titans retain the rights to the Oilers’ trademark, which is why they wore throwback uniforms during this past weekend’s game against the Atlanta Falcons and can achieve this once more in opposition to the Houston Texans on Dec. 17.
Whereas the Cougars’ uniforms aren’t an actual reproduction of the Oilers’ 1975-97 design, as they featured a “Houston” wordmark throughout the chest and have stripes on the sleeves as an alternative of the cuffs, the NFL “explicitly knowledgeable” the college again in February it didn’t consent to the “use of the uniform at challenge or any comparable designs.”
Houston “disagreed with assertions and characterizations” made within the cease-and-desist letter in its response to the NFL, however agreed to not put on the uniforms once more, because the league will think about any future use “intentional and willful, which might entitle (NFL Properties) to enhanced damages and reimbursement of its attorneys’ charges.”
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That stated, Houston isn’t the one school soccer program that has paid tribute to the Oilers this season, as Rice wore grey helmets with crimson, white and lightweight blue stripes down the center throughout their Sept. 30 win over East Carolina, matching the Oilers’ 1966-70 design.
It’s unclear if the Owls obtained permission from the NFL to duplicate the helmet design, although it’s price noting the remainder of the uniform couldn’t be mistaken for the Oilers, with a big “Rice” wordmark throughout the chest, in addition to blue and white stripes on the sleeves.
The Oilers truly known as Rice Stadium their dwelling from 1965-67 earlier than transferring to the Houston Astrodome, the place they had been co-tenants with the Cougars from 1968-96. Maybe that connection made all of the distinction for the Owls – or perhaps their letter continues to be en route.
Different examples of faculties carrying NFL-inspired designs embody the Iowa Hawkeyes adopting the Pittsburgh Steelers’ look in 1979 after head coach Hayden Fry requested for permission, in addition to Mississippi State replicating the New England Patriots’ uniforms throughout their 2016 journey to Gillette Stadium.
Arkansas additionally donned the Dallas Cowboy’s design in Razorback red throughout a 2017 loss to Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium in honor of Cowboys proprietor and former Arkansas offensive lineman Jerry Jones’ induction into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame.
![](https://content.sportslogos.net/news/2023/11/dallas-cowboys-arkansas-razorbacks-uniforms-2017-750x422.jpg)
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