When the Jets unveiled their revamped uniforms featuring a throwback logo in April, they honored former employee Jim Pons, the original designer. Now, Pons has filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the use of his creation.
Pons designed the logo, which incorporates an airplane into the capital “J” of JETS, back in 1978 while serving as the team’s film and video director. This logo was prominently used for two decades and has recently made a comeback. Pons is claiming he was never paid for the use of the logo.
The Jets assert that the logo is their property and Pons has no valid claim.
“We are aware of the complaint,” the Jets said in a statement to the New York Post. “The mark in question has been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for nearly 50 years. The mark has been used continuously in numerous iterations since that time. We find this claim baseless and without merit.”
When the Jets announced the return of the logo this offseason, Pons initially expressed excitement and pride, telling the team’s website, “I had no idea they were even thinking about it, nor did I know that it was that popular with the Jets fans. They told me the fans demanded we go back to the old logo, to my logo. So really, that’s wonderful. I’m very happy about that, very proud of that.”
Initially, Pons, a former rock ‘n roll musician, was thrilled with the recognition, even participating in a feature this past spring explaining the creation of the logo.
Now 81, Pons is suing for unspecified damages, seeking the cancellation of the Jets’ trademark on the logo, and asking for a ruling that the Jets cannot use the logo on their uniforms and merchandise without his consent and proper compensation.