The flamboyant and outspoken Miami native had initially changed his name to Ocho Cinco -- a reference to his jersey number in Spanish -- during warm-ups before a game against Atlanta in 2006. But quarterback Carson Palmer ripped off the nameplate to reveal C. Johnson because the name change was a violation of NFL uniform rules.

After that incident, Johnson reportedly received a $5,000 fine.

A court document in Broward County (Fla.) says the name change won't "invade the property rights of others, whether partnership, patent, good will, privacy, trademark, or otherwise."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail the league is looking into the move.

"It's something I don't think anyone has ever done before," he said on the Bengals' Web site.

Johnson, a premier receiver and eight-year veteran, has scored 49 touchdowns on 559 career receptions for 8,365 yards.