Nirvana Sue Marc Jacobs over "Bootleg Grunge" Clothing Line with Smiley Logo

A product description reads, "This bootleg smiley tee sure smells like teen spirit"

BY Alex HudsonPublished Dec 30, 2018

Nirvana are reportedly suing fashion brand Marc Jacobs over clothing items featuring the band's iconic smiley face logo.

TMZ reports that Nirvana have taken exception to Marc Jacobs' new Redux Grunge Collection 1993/2018. The line features 1990s-themed items, including shirts and socks that clearly riffs on Nirvana's logo.
 

As you can see, the tweaked smiley design features the letters "M" and "J" in place of the eyes. It even features a similar font, with the word "Heaven" where the band name would go. A product description reads, "This bootleg smiley tee sure smells like teen spirit."

The "Bootleg Grunge Smiley Socks" cost $45, while the "Bootleg Grunge Tee" is $115, and the "Bootleg Grunge Sweatshirt" is $195. As of press time, all of the items are still listed for purchase on Marc Jacobs' website.

According to TMZ, the lawsuit identifies Nirvana as one of the founders of the grunge music scene, so even the name of Jacobs' new collection is borrowed from Nirvana.

Neither Nirvana nor Marc Jacobs has publicly commented on the dispute.

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