N.E.R.D. frontman and black eyed peas leader end legal dispute over use of “I AM”
Pharrell Williams and Will.i.am have called a legal truce. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the music heavyweights reached a settlement in their battle over the phrase, “I Am.”
Although the terms are unknown, the agreement means that no jury trial will be necessary .
Will.i.am initiated the bout after Williams attempted to trademark the company name, “I Am
OTHER.” The Black Eyed Peas
leader cited similarities to his own “I.Am” moniker, and accused
Williams of intentional copying, in addition to infringement.
OTHER.” The Black Eyed Peas
leader cited similarities to his own “I.Am” moniker, and accused
Williams of intentional copying, in addition to infringement.
Williams was never actually sued, but in response, the “Happy” singer filed a lawsuit against Will.i.Am. In his counter, the N.E.R.D. member noted that his logo “I Am” is missing a period, and therefore dissimilar to Will.i.Am’s branding.
Furthermore, Williams listed more than 100 bands currently
using “I Am” in their titles, and other examples of the word use in
popular culture. “The I Am OTHER mark means ‘I am something else,'”
reads Williams’ suit. “Leaving what that ‘else’ is to the imagination of
the consumer. It certainly does not mean ‘I am Will’ or in any way
suggest Defendants or the WILL.I.AM mark.”
using “I Am” in their titles, and other examples of the word use in
popular culture. “The I Am OTHER mark means ‘I am something else,'”
reads Williams’ suit. “Leaving what that ‘else’ is to the imagination of
the consumer. It certainly does not mean ‘I am Will’ or in any way
suggest Defendants or the WILL.I.AM mark.”
On a personal note, Williams said he was “disappointed”
that Will.i.am never opted to talk things out, rather than taking the
legal route.
that Will.i.am never opted to talk things out, rather than taking the
legal route.
The 38-year-old responded on Twitter, reiterating that he didn’t sue Williams, and was protecting his business ventures, including the charity I Am Angel.
