trademark Archives - New Hip Hop News

Pusha T Labels Pharrell & Chad Hugo’s Neptunes Dispute “Stupidity”

April 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pusha T has spoken out on the legal dispute between Neptunes members Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. Taking to his Instagram Story on Monday, he claimed that Hugo’s lawyer is just looking for a paycheck and labeled the situation “stupidity.” Hugo’s lawyer previously complained about Pharrell “fraudulently” filing to trademark the Neptunes’ name.

“There’s not a dollar involved in this stupidity. Just a lawyer looking to drain Chad’s pockets. Unreal,” he wrote. When a fan brought up Ralph Tresvant buying the trademark to New Edition, Pusha responded: “Smh… nothing more, nothing less.”

Pusha T Performs With Pharrell At Something In The Water Music Festival

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 19: Pharrell and Pusha T perform at the 2022 Something in the Water Music Festival on Independence Avenue on June 19, 2022, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Hugo’s attorney, Kenneth D. Freundlich, wrote in a legal filing: “Throughout their over thirty year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets. By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from the any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.” Check out Pusha’s response to the drama below.

Pusha T Speaks Out On Neptunes’ Legal Feud

A representative for Pharrell also responded to the situation in a statement to Billboard on Monday. They argued he only filed a trademark for the name to protect them from third parties. “Pharrell is surprised by this,” they wrote. “We have reached out on multiple occasions to share in the ownership and administration of the trademark and will continue to make that offer. The goal here was to make sure a third party doesn’t get a hold of the trademark and to guarantee Chad and Pharrell share in ownership and administration.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Pusha T as well as Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo on HotNewHipHop.

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Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo Battle Over Neptunes Trademark

April 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo are engaged in a legal dispute over the trademark for their group name, Neptunes. Hugo claims Pharrell is “fraudulently” seeking sole control over the name, which would violate a longstanding agreement between the two to split everything evenly. He says Pharrell filed to register trademarks for the Neptunes name without his permission.

Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo Pose Backstage At Songwriters Hall Of Fame

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 16: Inductees Pharrell Williams and Chad. Hugo of The Neptunes pose backstage at the Songwriters. Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis on June 16, 2022 in New. York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame)

A representative for Pharrell responded to the situation in a statement to Billboard on Monday. They argued he only did so to protect the name from third parties. “Pharrell is surprised by this,” they wrote. “We have reached out on multiple occasions to share in the ownership and administration of the trademark and will continue to make that offer. The goal here was to make sure a third party doesn’t get a hold of the trademark and to guarantee Chad and Pharrell share in ownership and administration.”

Pharrell’s company, PW IP Holdings LLC, filed three separate applications to register “The Neptunes” as a trademark back in 2022. They cover the use of the name on streaming music, in music videos, and for live performances. Hugo’s team says they’ve “repeatedly” contacted Pharrell’s team about the problem and argue he “knowingly and intentionally” filed the applications without required input from their client. Be on the lookout for further updates on Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo on HotNewHipHop.

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Quilly Begins Race To Trademark “No Diddy”

March 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In the past couple weeks, the phrase “No Diddy” has caught fire online. It’s an attempt to reframe already popular phrases like “no homo” and “pause” and it’s based on a lawsuit filed against the rap mogul by producer Lil Rod. The allegations made in the lawsuit claim that Diddy spoke of having sex with multiple other male celebrities even including Meek Mill. Fans online and even some fellow rappers have found the phrase quite funny and now one of the first to use it is attempting to get it trademarked.

Philadelphia rapper Quilly took to social media to claim that he got the job done. “I officially own #NoDiddy” his post reads, but that isn’t the case. He attempted to blur out the status section of the trademark application, which reads pending. It’s pending because there is currently another claim to the phrase being filed so no official owner has been declared yet. It’s unclear which of the two filers has a stronger claim to the phrase but Quilly seems confident that he will eventually get it.

“No Diddy” Trademark Battle Underway

As for the rapper himself, it’s been a turbulent few days. Following months of allegations made through various lawsuits, the stakes were raised significantly earlier this week. That came when the feds raided two of Diddy’s properties in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an investigation against alleged sex trafficking. They reportedly seized electronics from the rap mogul’s residences that are now part of their ongoing investigation.

There isn’t a whole ton that’s known about what Diddy has been up to in the past few days. He reportedly wasn’t aware of the raids ahead of time. Claims say he was with his family when they were being executed. Earlier today he was spotted in Miami though how long he’s been there is also unknown. What do you think of a race sparking to trademark the phrase “No Diddy? ” Do you think the phrase will stick around or burn out once the rap mogul leaves the news cycle? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Diddy Faces Lawsuit Over “Act Bad”: Report

January 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Diddy is facing a new lawsuit from a man named Charles Kenyatta Jr., who is accusing the Bad Boy Records founder of trademark infringement and breach of contract in New York. In court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Kenyatta Jr., who is an inmate at Collins Correctional Facility, says Diddy infringed upon his trademark on “Act Bad,” by releasing a song by the same name, last year.

Kenyatta Jr. says Diddy stopped responding to emails from his lawyer after bringing up the trademark. “Sean Combs made a song called ‘ACT BAD’ and wanted to [sell] Act Bad merchandise, a percentage of the net profits for recorded song and music video, also a percentage of merchandise T-shirts, hats, etc.” Kenyatta explained in the filing. The filing adds that, being in jail, Kenyatta Jr. couldn’t sign the contract and therefore, Diddy should’ve forwarded it to his Power of Attorney. “Secondly, it was another person’s name on the contract that had to be removed. The percentage was not of Plaintiff’s liking, there was no upfront or advance monetary and it was a bunch of miscellaneous things plaintiff wanted to remove off contract.”

Diddy Performs At Howard University

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 20: Sean “Diddy” Combs attends Sean “Diddy” Combs Fulfills $1 Million Pledge To Howard University At Howard Homecoming – Yardfest at Howard University on October 20, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images for Sean “Diddy” Combs)

He further argued: “The defendant Sean Combs and John Doe had a scheme to illegally squeeze out Plaintiff Charles Kenyatta Jr. from the contract. Plaintiff’s lawyer told Defendant Sean Comb’s lawyer John Doe has no ownership of Act Bad and should not be on the contract. A few weeks after that the defendant Sean Combs and John Doe were on stage performing the song ‘Act Bad’ together. After defendant Sean Combs and John Doe signed contract without Charles Kenyatta Jr.’s consent, the defendant Sean Combs use of trademark caused confusion as to the affiliation, connection.” Check out Diddy’s music video for “Act Bad” below.

Diddy Taps City Girls & Fabolous For “Act Bad”

It’s the latest in a number of lawsuits Diddy has been facing as of late. During 2023, several women came forward with accusations of sexual abuse against him. He’s denied any and all wrongdoing on social media. Be on the lookout for further updates on Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

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Kanye West Biological Cloning Trademark Paperwork Hints At Futuristic Plans

January 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kanye West is a man unlike anyone else in the industry. As a Gemini, his fast-paced mind is constantly picking up new things, so it’s not surprising that he’s reportedly further expanding his resume into the tech world. The father of four was at the forefront of the Stem Player movement amid his DONDA 2 rollout, and since then he’s only further ventured into the possibilities of modern science. After celebrating his wife Bianca Censori’s 29th birthday on the fifth day of the year, Ye notably filed paperwork to trademark the phrase “I MISS YOU WHEN I WAKE UP BEFORE YOU” on January 11.

Today (January 17), XXL has more information on the “Gold Digger” rapper’s future plans thanks to documents they’ve obtained. Most of the goods and services West plans to use the words for are in relation to interior/logo design. Interestingly though, he also named “Cloud seeding,” “Graphoanalysis,” “exploration services in the field of the oil, gas, and mining industries,” and “biological cloning” as areas of interest.

Kanye West Files Trademark Request for Interior Design, Cloud Seeding, Cloning, and More

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A post shared by Ye (@kanyewest)

The outlet notes that the trademark office is still awaiting an examiner for the application. For all nine classes to gain approval, Yeezy will need to provide clear examples of goods he plans to sell using his tribute to Censori. We’re curious to see what the 46-year-old has up his sleeve besides the music he spent most of late 2023 working on in Dubai.

While Kanye West strives to be the first rapper in the biological cloning game, his fans are growing more eager to hear his and Ty Dolla Sign’s Vultures LP. Once again, the highly anticipated project is facing delays nearly a month after its initial scheduled release date. Find out when we’re expecting Ye and Dolla’s album to land at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Kanye West Files Bianca Censori-Inspired Trademark

January 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kanye West has filed a trademark for the phrase “I MISS YOU WHEN I WAKE UP BEFORE YOU”. The phrase was seemingly inspired by a post on Instagram that West made last week. It served as the caption for a photo of Censori smiling as she relaxed on a couch. It’s unclear what West intends to do with the trademark at this time.

It comes a week after West wished his wife a happy birthday. “Happy birthday to the most beautiful super bad iconic muse. Inspirational talented artist masters degree in architecture 140 IQ loving by my side everyday when half the world turned their backs on me. And the most amazing step mom to our children I love you so much thank you for sharing your life with me,” West wrote alongside a close-up photo of Censori’s face. However, most responses to the post were fans mocking West about the often-delayed Vultures album, which is now expected on January 19.

Kanye West Instagram Return Concerns Fans

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A post shared by Ye (@kanyewest)

Kanye returned to Instagram in December 2023, having left the platform in April. He announced his initial exit with a screenshot of the account deactivation prompt. Additionally, his decision to deactivate his account came about a month after he was resuspended and proceeded to say he “liked Jewish people” after watching Jonah Hill in 21 Jump Street. However, not everyone has been a fan of Kanye’s return to the platform. Of Kanye’s seven posts on the platform, three have been on Censori in revealing outfits. This has sparked previously raised concerns that Kanye mistreats Censori. In the comments, many people have likened Kanye’s treatment of Censori to playing with a doll.

Much has been made of the couple’s unusual relationship. The couple went on “a break” in November 2023. The news of the break came after reports that Ye had turned the architect and Yeezy staffer into a “radicalized version of Kim Kardashian“. Furthermore, her family and friends became increasingly concerned throughout the couple’s recent months-long trip to Italy. Additionally, it appeared their breaking point was reports that Ye had imposed a strict set of rules for Censori to live by.

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Tyga & MSCHF Lose Ruling In Vans Trademark Infringement Case

December 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Tyga and MSCHF came out with a shoe last year that turned out to be pretty controversial. Of course, we are talking about the Wavy Baby. Upon looking at this shoe, it is clear that it is supposed to be some sort of take on the Vans Old Skool. However, this fact is so obvious that anybody could see what is going on here. Unfortunately for Tyga and MSCHF, this actually led to some litigation from Vans. According to Billboard, Vans sued the two sides, saying it was “blatant trademark infringement.”

Not long after the lawsuit, a court ruled that MSCHF needed to stop selling the shoes immediately, at least for the time being. Well, the case was officially ruled on Tuesday, by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Once again, Tyga and MSCHF were struck down. Originally, they argued that this shoe was protected by the First Amendment as they were creating a parody. Essentially, it was a critique of sneaker culture, or at least that is what they had been claiming.

Tyga Copies The Vans Old Skool

The court decided that this was not, in fact, a viable defense. “If a parodic use of protected marks and trade dress leaves confusion as to the source of a product, the parody has not ‘succeeded’ for purposes of the [federal trademark law], and the infringement is unlawful,” the court explained succinctly. Needless to say, you will not be seeing these kicks on the market again. Instead, they have been banished, never to be heard from again. Although we’re sure MSCHF will find a new sneaker to shock and appall people with.

Let us know what you think of this new development, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will always make sure to keep you informed on all of the latest sneaker releases and collaborations.

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Diddy Wears Batman Costume After Getting In Trademark Trouble For Joker Outfit

November 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Diddy trolled Warner Bros. on Halloween by wearing a Batman costume after the company asked him not to dress up as the Joker. In a video on Instagram, he explained that the studio claimed he was “breaching the trademark.”

“Breaking Halloween news,” he said in the video. “Last year after I did the Black Joker, I got a bunch of emails from the studios telling me to not be the Joker anymore, that I was breaching the trademark. So I don’t know what I’m gonna be this year. But I will say, to the motherf*cker that took all this time, we talking about sending me six full papers — I’m not even gon’ show the business on the papers — but to tell me not to be the Joker, I wanna tell you, you win. I’m not gon’ be the Joker this year, just because your ass had enough time to fuck up my motherf*cking Halloween.”

Diddy Attends Howard University’s Homecoming

It’s not the first time Diddy has referenced getting in trouble for last year’s Joker costume. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, earlier this week, he showed off a letter he received from Warner Bros. “Last year I was the Joker, and I actually got a letter from the studio that I can no longer be the Joker because they said it broke their trademark that I did it too good, I swear,” he said. “I have this letter from Warner Bros. Tomorrow, Warner Bros. lawyers, can you see me? Put this camera on me right here. Head of legal, tomorrow, watch what I do.”

Diddy Trolls Warner Bros. With Batman Costume

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Check out Diddy’s Batman costume and his comments on getting in trouble with Warner Bros. above. Be on the lookout for further updates on other celebrities’ Halloween costumes on HotNewHipHop.

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Kanye West’s Trademark Application Reveals He May Be Expanding Into AI

June 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

A recent trademark application by Kanye West hints that he may be looking to broaden his horizons. The trademark includes services like animal boarding, hotel services, cake decorating, youth hostel services, and more. The application, under the brand YZY SHLTR, also notably hints at Ye delving into the world of AI. It lists “rental of robots for cooking,” as well as “rental of robots for preparing beverages.”

It’s clear that Kanye is looking to expand his empire with his latest trademarks. Just last month, Ye also applied to trademark “YZY SOCK SHOES,” listing “Socks; socks with leather soles,” in documents. The sock-shoes in question emulate those seen being worn by Ye and his wife Bianca Censori as of late. The news also came shortly after adidas revealed plans to sell nearly $1 billion worth of unsold Yeezy shoes.

Kanye’s New Ventures

Trademark Application By Kanye West Reveals He May Be Expanding Into AI — Ye arrives to the arena for the fight between Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson at State Farm Arena on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Getty Images)

CEO of adidas, Bjorn Gulden, explained at the time that “Burning those shoes cannot be the solution.” “What we are trying to do now over time is to sell parts of this inventory and donate money to the organizations that are helping us and that were also hurt by Kanye’s statements,” he explained. The brand cut ties with Ye in 2022 after he publicly made several anti-Semitic comments.

Adidas chose to donate the proceeds from the remaining sales to various charitable causes. Proceeds are going to the Anti-Defamation League and the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, which is run by the brother and sister-in-law of George Floyd. “We believe this is the best solution as it respects the created designs and produced shoes,” Gulden explained. “It works for our people, resolves an inventory problem, and will have a positive impact in our communities. There is no place in sport or society for hate of any kind and we remain committed to fighting against it.”

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“Taco Tuesday” Trademark Owner Hits Back At LeBron

May 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Multinational Mexican fast-food chain Taco Bell launched a campaign earlier this week to pursue the revocation of the trademark on the phrase “Taco Tuesday”. Trademarked since 1989, the phrase is legally owned by two entities. The primary owner is the Wyoming-based Taco John’s chain. Additionally, there is Gregory’s Bar & Restaurant, a family-owned eatery in Somers Point, New Jersey.

In their efforts to force a move on the part of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Taco Bell has enlisted NBA superstar LeBron James as part of their efforts. LeBron “never misses a Taco Tuesday and can often be seen celebrating the weekly tradition with his family,” a spokesperson for Taco Bell told HotNewHipHop. Furthermore, Taco Bell’s campaign involves a new ad featuring LeBron as well as a change.org petition.

Gregory’s Hits Back

Taco Bell drive-thru with open daily hours and surrounding plants, located in a city landscape with a clear sky above, Walnut Creek, California, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

However, one of the trademark holders is now hitting back against the latest efforts of Taco Bell. Gregory’s Bar & Restaurant has been a staple of Somers Point, New Jersey since 1946. It is currently owned by Gregory Gregory, the fourth generation of Gregorys to own the restaurant. “It truly is a David vs. Goliath scenario,” Gregory told NJ.com. Furthermore, Gregory wasn’t amused by the efforts of Taco Bell. “It seems unfair to me Taco Bell can have a trademark for the sound of the bell on their commercials, but they don’t want us to keep our trademark for ‘Taco Tuesday,’” Gregory said. “Everyone rings a bell.”

Furthermore, Gregory recalls that this isn’t LeBron’s first tangle with the trademark. The NBA veteran reportedly pursued it in 2019. “We reached out to his people back then,” Gregory said. “We would have been happy to sell it to him. But we never heard back.” However, Gregory admitted to the scale of the fight. “We are weighing our options to whatever steps we are going to take,” said Gregory. He is eager for Taco John’s will lead the fight since they are the bigger entity. Taco John’s controls the “Taco Tuesday” trademark in every state except New Jersey. “For us, does it make sense to spend a ton of money fighting this over a basket of $2.50 tacos?”

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