NFL Stripes

[Texas Aggie]

the NFL has had these pants for about 2 years now

This is correct. I saw these pants 2 years ago at a meeting and even commented on how awful they looked then!

The change was a result to have a uniform that could not be duplicated without their permission.

First of all, its pretty difficult, if not impossible, to trademark a "look." You can easily trademark a logo or other "mark," but not a stripe running down your pants. Also, it isn't like its that difficult to copy a stripe. Finally, commercials have already copied the shirt -- at least somewhat. At a glance, its difficult to tell the difference between the actual shirt and one copied for a commercial.

I agree with the OP. Whether the intent is to draw attention to themselves, that's what they've done with the recent uniform changes. The shirts are no big deal, but the various pants and knickers changes are absurd. Go back to the white knickers and change the shirts as needed every few years.