Outkast’s André 3000 and Big Boi Accuse Georgia EDM Duo of Improperly Associating with Their Iconic Brand in Trademark Dispute
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In a move to safeguard their legacy, legendary hip-hop duo Outkast, through their trademark holding company High Schoolers LLC, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Atlanta-based electronic dance music duo ATLiens. The lawsuit, obtained by Pitchfork, asserts that Outkast, comprised of André 3000 and Big Boi, originally coined the term “ATLiens” and has owned the trademark since 1996.
Outkast’s second studio album, ATLiens, released in 1996, became an iconic representation of the duo’s connection to their Atlanta roots, as well as a significant cultural touchstone in the hip-hop community. The lawsuit claims that the EDM duo has infringed on this trademark by adopting the name “ATLiens” without authorization, despite only registering their trademark in 2020, long after Outkast had established the term’s association with their music and brand.
According to the complaint, the attorneys for High Schoolers LLC argue that the EDM duo chose their name to capitalize on the fame and goodwill associated with Outkast’s ATLiens album and brand. They further contend that this has led to consumer confusion and is preventing Outkast from obtaining registrations for their senior “ATLiens” mark.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the EDM duo from continuing to use the “ATLiens” trademark and calls for the cancellation of their competing trademark, among other legal remedies. Attorneys Abigail J. Remore and Peter E. Nussbaum, representing High Schoolers LLC and André 3000, stated, “This is a basic brand protection issue. Efforts to resolve this matter amicably were unfortunately unsuccessful and Outkast therefore had to file suit in order to protect the valuable name and trademark ATLIENS that it created and has continuously used for nearly 30 years.”
As this legal battle unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trademark protection in the music industry, especially for iconic artists like Outkast, who have indelibly shaped the cultural landscape.