trademark infringement

Lil Yachty Settles Infringement Lawsuit With NFT Company

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Lil Yachty has settled an infringement lawsuit against an NFT company. The company allegedly used NFTs bearing the 25-year-old’s name to rake in millions of dollars. Moreover, the case is one of the more high-profile incidents surrounding the legality of NFTs. Indeed, the revolutionary nature of NFTs has created a legal grey area. Subsequently, Several legal cases have popped up that seek to establish what is and isn’t allowed.

Rolling Stone first reported in January that Yachty had filed a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement. Moreover, the lawsuit was filed against an NFT seller called Opulous. The company is accused of using Yachty’s name and image to raise more than $6 million in venture capital funds. The company allegedly advertised the “Lil Yachty NFT Collection.” Buyers were allegedly told that the collection would include access to the rapper’s music. However, Yachty says he has never been affiliated with the company. Additionally, the “Poland” rapper says he never received any of the money the company raised.

Lil Yachty Says He Made No Money From NFT Bearing His Name

Lil Yachty performs during Wicked (Spelhouse Homecoming Concert) (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Subsequently, Rolling Stone now reports that Yachty has settled with the company. The exact dollar figures have not been released. However, the two parties have been given 45 days to finalize the settlement in writing. Additionally, the two camps will also need to file a motion formally dismissing the case. Meanwhile, this is not the only lawsuit Yachty has been involved with. Indeed, the Atlanta native was implicated in an alleged NFT pump-and-dump scandal last February.

That suit alleges that Yachty used his fame to artificially boost the value of the currency. Additionally, other famous names like Soulja Boy and Jake Paul were also implicated. Elsewhere, Yachty has been doing well musically. He released a new single, “Strike (Holster)” last week. Additionally, the rapper recently went live from New York on Saturday night. Yachty made his long-anticipated SNL debut in early April, During the performance, the rapper performed his hits “Black Seminole,” and “Drive Me Crazy!” Yachty will likely be eager to put the courtroom drama behind him so he can focus on upcoming work.

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Eminem Files Trademark Opposition Against Two “Real Housewives” Over “Relatively Shady” Podcast Name

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Eminem filed a trademark opposition against two Real Housewives of Potomac stars for their “Relatively Shady” podcast trademark. Before going on, reports suggest they filed trademark for “Relatively Shady,” but their podcast is found online as “Reasonably Shady.” With that being said, the Detroit rapper already has a similar trademark in “Slim Shady” and filed a motion to block the Housewives‘s trademark. Moreover, Robyn Dixon and Gizelle Bryant host the Reasonably Shady relationship advice podcast, and filed for trademark of that name in February of 2022.

Furthermore, trademark infringement cases typically rest on the likelihood that a consumer would confuse two brands. For example, a small restaurant can’t file a trademark for their “McDonald’s Hot Dogs” because consumers will likely confuse them for the fast-food giant. Within his opposition request, Marshall Mathers states that consumers would be confused by the “Reasonably Shady” name. However, another important aspect in these cases is the similarities between each trademarked product. After all, who would believe that Slim Shady is starting a relationship advice podcast with two Real Housewives of Potomac?

Eminem’s Trademark Case Against The Real Housewives

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Eminem performs onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/WireImage)

Still, multiple other trademarks exist with the term “Shady” in them. Moreover, trademarks like “Super Shady,” “Stay Shady,” and “Shady Baby” exist in active registration databases. Even with that in mind, trademark confusion isn’t all that the “Lose Yourself” MC hinges on. Also in his request is the claim that the new trademark could dilute Eminem’s existing “Slim Shady.” In this instance, the rapper believes that Dixon and Bryant’s registration hinders the “distinctive quality” of his “Slim Shady” trademark. In addition, the opposition request claimed that “Reasonably Shady” will inevitably remind people of Marshall’s artistry and brand.

Meanwhile, the Reasonably Shady podcast already has over 43,000 followers on Instagram, and the Real Housewives are clearly finding success. Furthermore, they must answer to Eminem’s opposition request by March 26 of this year. If they don’t, their request to trademark their “shady” podcast name may fall on deaf ears. However, if they fight back, it will be up to each party to make their case to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Regardless of what happens, stick around on HNHH for the latest updates on Eminem and this new trademark dispute.

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Future Settles Lawsuit Over “High Off Life” Album Title

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2022 turned out to be yet another wildly successful year for Future. Although he’s more than a decade into his career as a rapper, he continues to dominate the charts and be one of the most popular emcees in the game.

His latest album, last year’s I NEVER LIKED YOU, is no exception. It officially went gold only a few weeks after its release. However, he was also dealing with some legal troubles behind the scenes.

Future performs during day 1 of Wireless Festival 2021 at Crystal Palace on September 10, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)

Over the course of the past year, the Atlanta native has been in litigation for a trademark lawsuit. High Off Life, LLC claims that the 39-year-old stole their company’s name for his 2020 album. The hip-hop production company was founded in 2004, 16 years prior to the release. High Off Life contains the smash hit, “Life Is Good” and the Travis Scott featuring “Solitaires.”

The “PUFFIN ON ZOOTIEZ” rapper and his legal team originally requested that the judge dismiss the case. They say it infringes on his First Amendment rights. However, the trial evidently went through anyways.

The lawsuit has now been settled, as reports from Bloomberg Law indicate that the production company and the Atlanta native have “reached a mutually agreeable resolution.”

They will not be disclosing the exact terms of the settlement. However, a court filing says that both parties will pay their own respective attorney’s fees.

Of course, High Off Life wasn’t the only album that Future released in 2020. He followed it up with Pluto x Baby Pluto, a full-length joint album with Lil Uzi Vert. Backed by the highly successful “Drankin N Smokin,” the project showcases the duo’s chemistry.

What are your thoughts on the settlement? Comment down below. Finally, be sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates in music and pop culture.

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