Former Arizona Wildcats star Rob Gronkowski is too similar to Michael Jordan for Nike's liking. Seriously.
The shoe company filed a formal opposition to the United States Patent and Trademark Office earlier this month, saying the Patriots tight end's personal logo could be confused with Nike's iconic "Jumpman" mark. ESPN's Darren Rovell first reported the story Friday.
Gronkowski owns Gronk Nation L.L.C., a company that his father and brothers also represent. The company filed the logo with the patent office more than a year ago, Rovell reported. Β The company already owns the terms "Gronk," "Get Gronk'd" and "Gronk Nation."Β
It's unclear if the suit will harm the working relationship between Gronkowski and Nike. He has worn Nike cleats since first entering the league as a second-round pick in 2010. Gronkowski is arguably the most famous former Wildcat in program history.Β
