In a bold move, the University of Houston (UH) has decided to proceed with its "Love Ya Blue" uniform despite the NFL's threats of legal action. The Houston Chronicle reported that the NFL claims the uniforms, which were first introduced during Houston's home opener on September 2, 2023, closely resemble the iconic uniforms of the Houston Oilers from the late 1970s.

The NFL sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Cougars last October, stating that the university's attempt to mimic the popularity of the NFL and the Titans violated the intellectual property rights of the league. However, UH remains undeterred and has planned to incorporate the "Luv ya Blue" uniforms across all their athletic teams.

The new UH uniforms bear striking similarities to the old Oilers uniforms, featuring a shade remarkably close to the renowned Columbia blue color. The script and numbers are outlined in red, with similar fonts and stripes adorning the sleeves. Athletic director Chris Pezman revealed that some modifications have been made to the design, specifically altering the sleeve stripes, in response to the NFL's concerns. However, the colors, which are the primary resemblance to the old Oilers uniforms, have remained unchanged.

While the combination of light blue, red, and white is often associated with the Oilers, the NFL does not hold exclusive rights to this color scheme. The colors have long been associated with the Houston Police Department, predating the arrival of the Oilers in 1959. Moreover, Pezman pointed out that at least 10 other schools utilize a similar color scheme, further highlighting its widespread usage.

In response to the NFL's objections, UH has informed the league that they will be incorporating a variation of the uniforms using H-Town Blue, a color associated with the city of Houston for many years. However, it remains uncertain whether this concession will satisfy the litigious NFL, whose reputation for protecting its intellectual property is well-known.

As the University of Houston prepares to move forward with their "Luv ya Blue" uniforms, the attention now turns to the NFL's reaction. Only time will tell how the league will respond to UH's commitment to honoring the city's history while navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights.