Merriman sues Nike

Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman is suing Nike for trademark infringement and unfair competition over its Lights Out apparel line. The suit, on behalf of Merriman’s Lights Out Holdings LLC, was filed in U.S. District Court on Monday. According to the suit, after Nike and Merriman unsuccessfully negotiated to create a Lights Out apparel line in 2006 or 2007, the company used the name anyway. The suit says Merriman acquired the federal trademark rights for Lights Out in 2007. He was nicknamed “Lights Out” after knocking out opponents in a high school game. The suit demands an injunction to stop trademark infringement. – AP