Jay-Z Facing Legal Action from the NBA and Volcom

BY Josiah HughesPublished Apr 1, 2011

Being a super-rich hip-hop mogul means you can probably afford most things, but it doesn't mean you can bend the rules and get away with it, as Jay-Z is quickly learning. The drug dealer turned mega-rich Oprah guest is currently in legal hot water with both the NBA and the Volcom skateboarding company over two unrelated issues.

The NBA is on Jay-Z's back after an impromptu visit to the Kentucky Wildcats' locker room earlier this week, according to various reports. Congratulating the team after clinching a spot in the NCAA Final Four, the Jigga-man's visit seemed innocent enough. However, as a part owner of the New Jersey Nets, Jay is prohibited from having contact with potential NBA prospects. NBA officials are considering a probe into the matter.

Hova's legal troubles don't end there, however. AllHipHop reports that clothing company and record label Volcom has launched a copyright lawsuit over the diamond logo Jay uses for his Roc Nation imprint.

Since Roc Nation launched in 2009, Volcom has issued requests to cease and desist, all of which were ignored by Jay's company. Volcom's official complaint (which can be read in full here) reads, "While Roc Nation appears to have initially used the diamond only in combination with the words 'Roc Nation' it is now using the diamond logo on its own, causing a likelihood of confusion among consumers."

Volcom is seeking an injunction against Roc Nation from using the logo, requesting that all products with similar trademarks be destroyed.

Latest Coverage