Overview
- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled against Michel J. Messier, who claimed familial rights to the fleur-de-lis based on his alleged descent from French royalty.
- The court dismissed the case, stating that Messier failed to demonstrate any commercial interest or injury related to the New Orleans Saints' use of the fleur-de-lis symbol.
- The fleur-de-lis has been a trademark of the Saints since 1974, following the team's adoption of the symbol in 1967.
- Messier argued the symbol was tied to his family's historical lineage, but the court deemed his claims hypothetical and lacking evidence of tangible harm.
- Despite the ruling, Messier has announced plans to file a cancellation appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court by May 1.