Lady Gaga is facing a staggering $100 million lawsuit from a California surf company, Lost International LLC, over allegations of trademark infringement related to her recent album and merchandise titled "Mayhem." The surf brand claims that Gaga’s logo closely resembles their own, which has been in use since the late 1980s.
Key Takeaways
- Lady Gaga’s new album "Mayhem" has sparked a $100 million lawsuit from Lost International LLC.
- The surf company claims Gaga’s logo is nearly identical to their trademarked design.
- Lost International has been using the "Mayhem" brand since 1988 and registered it in 2015.
- Gaga’s legal team has dismissed the lawsuit as opportunistic and baseless.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by Matt Biolos, co-founder of Lost International LLC. The company has been a staple in the surf industry, known for its high-quality surfboards and apparel. Biolos argues that the use of the "Mayhem" name and logo by Gaga dilutes the brand’s identity and misleads consumers into thinking there is a connection between the two brands.
Biolos stated, "The sale of apparel and accessories by one of the world’s biggest stars using the familiar name and logo will dilute the reputation of my counter-culture brand."
Details of the Trademark Claims
- Trademark Registration: Lost International registered the "Mayhem" trademark in 2015, although they have been using the name since 1988.
- Logo Similarity: The lawsuit claims that Gaga’s logo design is nearly identical to Lost’s, featuring a similar scruffy font that suggests chaos or "mayhem."
- Market Confusion: The surf company alleges that Gaga’s use of the logo could mislead the public into thinking her products are associated with or endorsed by Lost International.
Legal Responses
Gaga’s attorney, Orin Snyder, has responded to the lawsuit, labeling it as a "baseless" attempt to capitalize on Gaga’s success. He stated, "Lady Gaga’s ‘Mayhem’ soared to No. 1 and shattered records, a testament to her unmatched talent and global impact. It’s disappointing — but hardly surprising — that someone is now attempting to capitalize on her success with a baseless lawsuit over the name Mayhem."
Implications for Both Parties
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for both Lady Gaga and Lost International. For Gaga, a ruling against her could mean a halt to her merchandise sales and potential rebranding efforts. For Lost International, a victory could reinforce their brand identity and protect their long-standing reputation in the surf industry.
Upcoming Events
Despite the legal turmoil, Gaga is moving forward with her plans for the "Mayhem Ball" tour, which is set to kick off in July 2025. The tour will feature performances in major cities across the globe, including Las Vegas, New York City, and Paris. Tickets for the tour are expected to go on sale soon, with presale options available for fans.
As the legal battle unfolds, both parties are preparing for what could be a lengthy court process, with the potential for significant financial repercussions depending on the outcome.
Sources
- Southern California surf company sues Lady Gaga over ‘Mayhem’, KTLA.
- As Mayhem Ball tour takes shape, Gaga faces trademark lawsuit, Los Angeles Times.
- Lady Gaga sued by surf company, WRAL.com.
- Megastar Lady Gaga Sued for Millions by Surf Brand Founder Over Logo Infringement, Sports Illustrated.
- Surf & lifestyle brand sues singer for trademark infringement – MOViN 92.5, MOViN 92.5.
