Lady Gaga is facing a staggering $100 million lawsuit from Lost International, a California surf company, over allegations of trademark infringement related to her new album and merchandise titled "Mayhem." The surf brand claims that Gaga’s logo is strikingly similar to their own, which has been in use since the late 1980s.
Key Takeaways
- Lady Gaga’s new album "Mayhem" launched on March 7, 2025, alongside merchandise featuring a logo that Lost International claims infringes on their trademark.
- Lost International, founded by Matt Biolos, has used the "Mayhem" logo since 1986 and officially trademarked it in 2015.
- The lawsuit alleges that Gaga’s use of the logo misleads consumers and dilutes the brand’s reputation.
- Gaga’s legal team has dismissed the lawsuit as a baseless attempt to capitalize on her success.
Background of the Lawsuit
Lost International, a surf and lifestyle brand, filed the lawsuit in a California district court on March 25, 2025. The company asserts that Gaga’s logo for her album and related merchandise is "substantially similar if not nearly identical" to their trademarked design.
The lawsuit claims:
- Trademark Infringement: Lost argues that Gaga’s use of the "Mayhem" name and logo violates their trademark rights, which they have held since 2015.
- Consumer Confusion: The surf company contends that Gaga’s branding could mislead the public into thinking her products are associated with or endorsed by Lost, potentially harming their brand’s reputation.
- Damages: Lost is seeking $100 million in damages, along with attorney fees, claiming that Gaga’s actions have diluted their brand and diverted revenue.
The Origins of the Mayhem Logo
Matt Biolos, the founder of Lost International, has been using the "Mayhem" logo since 1986, originally created for his punk band. Over the years, it has become synonymous with the surf culture, appearing on surfboards, apparel, and accessories. The brand has built a loyal following and is recognized globally, selling products in over 30 countries.
Gaga’s Response
Gaga’s attorney, Orin Snyder, has publicly denounced the lawsuit, labeling it as an opportunistic attempt to exploit her 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."
Snyder emphasized that the lawsuit is a misuse of the legal system and that Gaga’s team had previously attempted to resolve the matter amicably.
Implications for Both Parties
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for both Lady Gaga and Lost International:
- For Lady Gaga: If the court rules in favor of Lost, Gaga may be forced to alter her branding and could face financial penalties.
- For Lost International: A victory could reinforce their trademark rights and protect their brand from future infringements, while also potentially increasing their visibility in the surf and music industries.
As the legal battle unfolds, both parties are preparing for a potentially lengthy court process, with a jury trial being sought by Lost International. Meanwhile, Gaga continues to promote her album and prepare for her upcoming world tour, which is set to kick off in July 2025.
Sources
- Lady Gaga faces $100M lawsuit over ‘Mayhem’ logo trademark infringement claim, New York Post.
- Southern California surf company sues Lady Gaga over ‘Mayhem’, KTLA.
- Lady Gaga sued by surf company over ‘Mayhem’ logo, NME.
- Lost Surfboards founder Matt Biolos sues Lady Gaga for $100 million over Mayhem trademark, SurferToday.com.
- Surf Brand …Lost Suing Lady Gaga Over ‘Mayhem’ Logo, The Inertia.
