Hip-hop rapper and businessman Jay-Z faces a lawsuit that his Roc Nation clothing line copied its logo from Volcom, a California-based company that targets surfers, skateboarders and snowboarders. Both companies employ a diamond-shaped logo. Volcom alleges that, since 1991, it has spent more than $100,000,000 to market its logo. It has been sending Roc Nation cease and desist letters since 2009 to no avail. A Los Angeles litigation lawyer is available to protect intellectual property, including logos, slogans and phrases.
At least initially, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation only used the diamond logo alongside the words “Roc Nation,” but now the company uses the logo by itself on headphones, compact discs and clothing. Volcom claims that it sells merchandise at similar retailers to those offering Roc Nation products. As a result, Volcom’s lawsuit alleges, Roc Nation’s logo is likely to confuse consumers. Volcom is requesting that Roc Nation destroy all products that employ the diamond logo and that it refrain from using it in the future.
One aim of trademark law is to protect consumers. When consumers see a particular logo, they come to expect a particular quality and brand associated with that logo. Similar logos can confuse consumers and allow the infringer to take advantage of the goodwill and positive assets that belong to the other company that put a lot of hard work into its marketing. Expert guidance from a Los Angeles litigation attorney is often necessary to protect logos and other intellectual property.