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T.I. is being sued by a company that describes itself as “the world’s largest social music television network” for trademark infringement.
In court documents that were filed Wednesday (March 17) with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Akoo International claims that they have held the trademark for the term Akoo for several years. The company is accusing T.I., whose real name is Clifford J. Harris, Jr., and his clothing label Akoo of not only infringing on their trademark, but ruining their reputation.
According to the company, Tip’s use of the Akoo name will confuse current and prospective clients, and will lead people to incorrectly conclude that the clothing line is affiliated with them.
“Our primary obligation and goal is to prevent confusion among our consumers, which is among the most basic objectives of trademark law,” said Akoo CEO Niko Drakoulis. “At the same time, Akoo has invested nearly a decade of effort and substantial capital to deploy its network and will do everything in its power to protect its brand.”
T.I.’s clothing label has been drawing unwanted attention recently after the controversy over its sexually explicit billboard in Newark, New Jersey caused in outcry in the local community. The advertisement was taken down, but the media company is claiming that the negative publicity has “diluted the success built up by Akoo.”
