Will.i.am is launching a lawsuit against Pharrell Williams for his use of the words “I am” in his new brand "I am OTHER,” claiming he owns the copyright to the phrase.
In legal documents, the Black Eyed Peas star and producer says the names are “confusingly similar” and “The registration of the mark . . . is likely to dilute the I AM mark and the WILL.I.AM mark.” He states that the clothing and other products Williams sells under the creative brand’s name will threaten his own brand.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Williams expresses his disappointment that a lawsuit was filed.
"I am disappointed that Will, a fellow artist, would file a case against me. I am someone who likes to talk things out and, in fact, I attempted to do just that on many occasions,” he said. “I am surprised in how this is being handled and I am confident that Will's trademark claims will ultimately be found to be as meritless and ridiculous as I do."
Will.i.am’s lawyer, Ken Hertz, said, "We hope to work out a sensible compromise that will allow both parties to move forward without unnecessary acrimony,” Telegraph reports.
This dispute has been going on since late last year, according to Hertz.