Singer-actress Beyonce Knowles files a lawsuit against a Texas company over profiting merchandises with her owned trademarked name. The legal complaint which was filed in Manhattan federal court is also asking the court judge to order the company to stop from selling the said items.
Company Feyoncé Inc. along with three defendants from San Antonio face lawsuit from the multiple Grammy award singer following copyright infringement accusations, according to the Guardian. The singer claims that the said company is selling merchandise online infringing her trademark name, "Feyoncé".
Beyonce already warned the company for a legal action if they continue to sell the items on their website. The "knock-off items" which has "Feyoncé" includes shirts, sweatshirts and coffee mugs. This has caused complication in marketing, leading the customers to be confused and "irreparable harm" on her business and the goodwill of her brand, Beyonce's lawsuit alleges.
The Fuse TV reported that the suit also noted a mug item among Feyoncé Inc.'s inventory which she claimed fraudulent. The said mug reads, "Feyoncé: he put a ring on it,". The singer said, the item was meant to remind customers of her song, Single Ladies.
The suit accused the company of intentional, fraudulent, malicious, willful and wanton causing the plaintiff to become distress. Beyonce previously threatened legal action against Etsy over a line of coffee mugs also bearing the word, "Feyoncé".
The defendants named on the lawsuit were Andre Maurice, Leana Lopez, Lee Lee, the Mail Online cited. Beyonce said that she invests her own business and sells her own merchandises as she owns the copyrights and likeness. It was not known if the defendants have lawyers. Maurice, one of the defendants refused to comment, saying he had yet to review the lawsuit.
Beyoncé's filed lawsuit also seeks unspecified damages. .
