As organizers detailed in a Twitter thread, the festival received a cease-and-desist letter from a law firm representing Shepard Fairey in February. Fairey is best known as the artist behind the OBEY Giant graphic and clothing brand.
"As per a Canadian trademark pre-dating our organization, they've asked that we stop using the word 'OBEY' as part of our public identity (while affording us limited use of their trademark as we transition from our current brand into something new)," festival organizers wrote on Twitter.
They continued: "As a small non-profit, there is never a good time to receive such a letter, but we're grateful for the lenience with which the word arrived. After initial fears, concerns and big feelings, we now see this as a catalyst / opportunity to take stock of how our organization has changed over the years."
OBEY Convention organizers concluded that they will "be working through the summer months to develop a new name and strengthen our identity," promising that "the organization and its values will most certainly live on, and we're excited to reemerge next fall with a fresh perspective."
As previously reported, the 2019 edition of OBEY Convention takes place from May 30 to June 2 in a variety of alternative and historic spaces around Halifax.
This year's lineup includes Kelly Moran, JustJohn & Dom Dias, 75 Dollar Bill, Guttersnipe, Mary Jane Leach, Laura Ortman, Cucina Povera, Strange Froots, DJ Haram, Eartheater, Tomoko Sauvage, Justice Yeldham, Mich Cota and more.
Festival passes are available now, with further ticketing and festival information available here.
On Valentine's Day, Feb 14th 2019, OBEY Convention received a cease and desist from Bold Strategies Inc., a law firm representing the interests of Shepard Fairey (OBEY Giant, etc). As per a Canadian trademark pre-dating our organization... pic.twitter.com/6qv14KXb7C
— OBEY Convention (@OBEYConvention) May 27, 2019
they've asked that we stop using the word 'OBEY' as part of our public identity (while affording us limited use of their trademark as we transition from our current brand into something new)
— OBEY Convention (@OBEYConvention) May 27, 2019
As a small non-profit, there is never a good time to receive such a letter, but we're grateful for the lenience with which the word arrived.
— OBEY Convention (@OBEYConvention) May 27, 2019
After initial fears, concerns and big feelings, we now see this as a catalyst / opportunity to take stock of how our organization has changed over the years
— OBEY Convention (@OBEYConvention) May 27, 2019
We'll be working through the summer months to develop a new name and strengthen our identity. The organization and its values will most certainly live on, and we're excited to reemerge next fall with a fresh perspective.
— OBEY Convention (@OBEYConvention) May 27, 2019
Your support, awareness, attention and love at this time of transition means so much to us 🙏 -- TEAM OBEY
— OBEY Convention (@OBEYConvention) May 27, 2019
