X Marks the Spot: Parties Skirmish in Dez Bryant Branding Lawsuit

Dez Bryant, a famed wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is also known for crossing his arms in an X after successful plays, is now the focus of a brewing legal battle between Jay-Z’s Roc Nation LLC and Official Brands Inc., a Florida-based sports marketing firm.

The lawsuit was filed in Texas state court by Official Brands, which claims that Roc Nation engaged in tortious interference with regards to theirs and Bryant’s business relationship. More specifically, the lawsuit arises out of Bryant’s agent change …

May 5, 2015 Contract / NFL

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sued by Official Brands over “ThrowUpTheX” Business

Official Brands, a sports marketing firm that helped to build Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant’s “ThrowUpTheX” brand, filed a lawsuit against Roc Nation, alleging that Roc Nation poached the representation of Bryant from it.

According to the court documents filed, Official Brands alleged Bryant requested the company’s vice president, Ryan Toka, to manage his off-field interests that resulted in the two-year contract Bryant signed with Official Brands in 2014.

Official Brands claimed that under the agreement it provided “unprecedented services” to build “ThrowUpTheX,” including handling …