Pharrell Williams vs. Will.i.am: 'I Am' YouTube Channel Trademark Lawsuit Continues
Will.i.am and Pharrell, two of the top professionals in the hip-hop industry, have been fighting legally over the "Get Lucky" singer's YouTube channel name, "i am OTHER." The trademark war all started when will.i.am had an issue with Pharrell's brand being too similar to his copyrighted "i.am" phrase.
In the beginning, there was a misunderstanding that Will was suing Pharrell over the situation, when he actually had just filed a notice of opposition. However, now, Pharrell is the one who is suing will.i.am in order to stop Will from preventing him from using his "i am OTHER" brand. He filed a lawsuit against will.i.am in federal court in New York.
In Will's document, he suggests that users might get confused over the "i am" name, since they both are on the same record label and they apparently make music in similar styles. However, Pharrell claims that the two artists are using the "i am" phrases in completely different ways - He says that will.i.am is using it in a reference to Dr. Seuss' "Sam I Am" quote, while he has a different approach to the brand.
"In contrast, the 'i am OTHER' mark means 'I am something else,' leaving what that 'else' is to the imagination of the consumer. It certainly does not mean 'I am Will,'" says Pharrell.
The Neptune artist is asking the judge for written permission to protect his use of "i am OTHER" mark.
Pharrell's action definitely fuels up the "i am" trademark feud. Will.i.am also has filed a counter-lawsuit against Pharrell. In the new legal documents, the Black Eyed Peas frontman claims that Pharrell has a long history of copying other people's ideas and claiming them for himself. Will.i.am also notes that Pharrell founded a label "Star Trak Entertainment," and the producer is currently facing a lawsuit from Marvin Gaye's family over "Blurred Lines" for the song being very similar to "Got To Give It Up."
Will.i.am is currently seeking compensation from Pharrell.