Jim Pons — the man who created one of the New York Jets’ logos — is now suing the team and the NFL… demanding that he be paid for the use of his design.
Pons filed the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sportsin New York on Monday… claiming he made the now-iconic emblem in the 1970s after working for the team as a film and video director.
Pons says that in 1978, the Jets were looking for a new design — and when he submitted his logo that featured a jet plane above the letters “ETS” … team officials loved it and started using it.
NY ended up putting it on its uniforms until 1997, when it changed things up. But in 2022, the franchise revealed it would be returning to Pons’ design part-time. In early 2024, the organization announced it would use the design full-time going forward.
Initially, Pons — a former rock ‘n roll musician — was thrilled about the whole thing… even meeting with the team last spring for a story explaining how he created the images.
In the special, Pons was seen smiling as he reflected on things.
However, in his lawsuit, Pons said he was not happy with the Jets and the NFL — believing he owns the brand he says he created outside of the scope of his work with the team … so he now feels they owe him serious compensation for his work.
Pons claims the team and the league are making millions off of this… and it’s clear he wants his share.
The 81-year-old is suing for unspecified damages. He’s also asking a judge to order the Jets to cancel their trademark of his logo. Additionally, he wants a judge to rule that NY can no longer use his logo on its uniforms and merchandise…at least not without his consent and compensation.