In theory, sure, rocking a “Feyoncé” T-shirt right after getting engaged may sound harmless and cute. But in legal theory, it may be infringing upon and diluting Beyoncé's own brand, and the singer has just launched a lawsuit against the small e-commerce company to prove just that.
According to Reuters, the lawsuit, filed in New York City, states that the San Antonio-based company and its three owners have ignored requests to stop selling their merchandise and that the items are now causing confusion.
“Defendants adopted the Feyoncé mark to call to mind Beyoncé and her famous song,” the lawsuit states. “Defendants’ conduct described herein is intentional, fraudulent, malicious, willful and wanton.”
The lawsuit also named Andre Maurice as a defendant and says he tried to trademark “Feyoncé” twice.
“Seeking to capitalize on the notoriety of ‘Single Ladies,’ with its famous lines ‘Put a ring on it,’ defendants are selling merchandise bearing the ‘Feyoncé’ mark—a misspelling of ‘fiancé’ intended to call to mind Beyoncé and her famous song,” the lawsuit continues. “Some of defendants’ merchandise even bear the lyrics ‘Put a ring on it’, further solidifying the connection between Beyoncé and the unauthorized products.”
Even with this lawsuit, will others be filed as well? Just searching for the word used brings up tons of other merchandise being sold.