Is it possible to copyright the words "I am"? It is according to Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am., who took out a notice of opposition against Neptunes super-producer/Daft Punk collaborator Pharrell Williams over his creative brand i am OTHER.
According to Will.i.am, Pharrell will be branding clothes and other products, much like he does with his own moniker. According to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, "The registration of the mark… is likely to dilute the I AM mark and the WILL.I.AM mark."
Pharrell's lawyers have filed a response to the opposition, denying all claims. "I am disappointed that Will, a fellow artist, would file a case against me," Pharrell told Rolling Stone. "I am someone who likes to talk things out and, in fact, I attempted to do just that on many occasions. 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. has not yet commented publicly on the matter.
For those unfamiliar with a notice of opposition, this is when one party attempts to block another from registering a trademark — so in this case, Will.i.am. is trying to stop Pharrell from registering his i am OTHER brand.
According to Will.i.am, Pharrell will be branding clothes and other products, much like he does with his own moniker. According to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, "The registration of the mark… is likely to dilute the I AM mark and the WILL.I.AM mark."
Pharrell's lawyers have filed a response to the opposition, denying all claims. "I am disappointed that Will, a fellow artist, would file a case against me," Pharrell told Rolling Stone. "I am someone who likes to talk things out and, in fact, I attempted to do just that on many occasions. 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. has not yet commented publicly on the matter.
For those unfamiliar with a notice of opposition, this is when one party attempts to block another from registering a trademark — so in this case, Will.i.am. is trying to stop Pharrell from registering his i am OTHER brand.
