Earlier this month, news about the cryptocurrency “Coinye West” and it didn’t take long for Kanye West to decide that he wanted no part in it. The digital currency launched, even though his lawyers did send a cease and desist letter, so now he’s filed a lawsuit over it, naming sites that support cryptocurrency.
News of “Coinye West” spread after its creators did an interview with Noisey. They refused to give their names, but they said they picked West since he is a “trendsetter.” Despite the compliment, West’s lawyers sent a cease and desist letter and the coin launched four days earlier than planned.
So, West has decided to file a lawsuit. Even though the cryptocurrency world is mostly anonymous, The Hollywood Reporter notes that West named several defendants, including Amazon.com, which gives hosting support for digital currency sites. 0daycoins.com, which reportedly runs a digital currency exchange, is also named in the suit, as are the “John Does” who use and created “Coinye.”
"Amazon.com and Jane Does Defendants have deliberately disregarded Plaintiffs' counsel's notification of the Infringing Websites and have otherwise consciously avoided learning about the full extent of the infringing activity that is continuing on the Infringing Websites,” the lawsuit reads.
West’s attorneys note that “Coinye” may confuse consumers, thinking that west had anything to do with it. The full complaint is available here.
One “Coinye” site now has a statement that notes that West had nothing to do with it, adding, “The name 'Coinye' is intended solely as parody, not an indication or implication of endorsement or involvement.” Another says “Coinye is dead. You win Kanye.”
image: ABC