The NFL has sent a cease-and-desist letter to New Orleans apparel brand DNO to stop selling "Defend New Orleans" products featuring the fleur-de-lis.
"It recently came to our attention that Defend New Orleans ("DNO") is engaging in the unauthorized manufacture, promotion, distribution, sale, and/or offering for sale, of infringing counterfeit products bearing NFL Marks and/or marks confusingly similar thereto," the NFL's letter states. "Please be advised that absent permission from NFLP or the appropriate Member Club, NFL Marks may not be used."
Defend New Orleans responded by informing the NFL that its design is itself trademarked, and the fleur-de-lis symbol has been in use in the Crescent City long before the football league was organized, or even before the invention of the game of football itself.
"With respect to the NFL's interest, the fleur-de-lis has been synonymous with New Orleans since its founding in 1718. It has been featured on the City's official flag since 1918. The area was named for Philippe II, the Duke of Orleans, whose family coat of arms used the fleur-de-lis," said attorney Scott L. Sternberg in DNO's reply to the league.
Sternberg said he will not advise his client to stop selling its products, and said there is no confusion between the New Orleans Saints logo DNO's design.