The NFL is looking into whether or not a party for the pornography industry illegally used images of NFL players to promote the event in Miami last month.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ABC-7 in Chicago that the league was looking into the matter involving Exxxotica Expo 2011. An advertisement you can see here featured photos of five current NFL players – Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry, Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson, Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford and Chicago Bears safety Major Wright. The ad identified the players as hosts of the party, along with some stars from the adult entertainment world.

Also listed were three draft picks, most notably Corey Liuget of the San Diego Chargers. The draft picks, including Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas and Baltimore Ravens running back Anthony Allen, were not pictured.

“The NFL office works on behalf of the clubs to protect their intellectual property rights in matters such as this,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy told the television station.

“Our legal team is reviewing the ad. In general, companies not affiliated with the NFL or its clubs may not depict a player in his uniform.”

There is nothing wrong with players hosting parties like this, but trademark issues come into play when players are shown in uniform.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune