Volcom filed a lawsuit against Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company in the Central District of California on March 29th for trademark infringement. Volcom claims that the diamond used in the Roc Nation logo too similarly resembles their own, which they have been using in trade since 1991.
“While Roc Nation appears to have initially used the diamond only in combination with the words ‘Roc Nation’ it is now using the diamond log on its own, causing a likelihood of confusion among consumers,” Volcom’s complaint reads.
Volcom says they notified Roc Nation that their logo infringes on their trademark rights but the company ignored their request to stop using it.
Volcom is seeking an injunction against Roc Nation from using their logo, which appears on records, clothing and on Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviator headphones, as well as destroying any product that bears the trademark.
The lawsuit claims Volcom has invested over $100,000,000 in marketing their logo, although the lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages being sought. Roc Nation is being sued for trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution, unfair competition and other charges.
Roc Nation is presently the label home for Jay-Z, J. Cole, Jay Electronica and Willow Smith. The label also manages the careers of Samantha Ronson, D-Nice and Mick Boogie.
Published: Mar 31, 2011 04:54 pm