Ahead of his upcoming tour, Chance the Rapper and CTR Touring have filed a federal lawsuit against probable bootleggers.
A common tactic in the music industry, the lawsuit names “John Does,” “Jane Does,” and “XYZ Company.” These lawsuits provide protection from fake merchandising bootleggers as well as illegal music downloads.
Chancelor Bennett, the rapper’s real name, states that the trademark “Chance the Rapper” belong to him.
“ ‘CHANCE THE RAPPER’ is the trademark used by the musical performer, Chancelor Bennett (hereinafter ‘Artist’)…Artist has used his marks in connection with his recording, performing, and merchandising services for over five (5) years.”
In fact, Bennett owns the trademark of his artistic name in association with the manufacturing and sale of clothing products. These include, but aren’t limited to,
“Beanies; Bottoms; Caps; Hats; Headwear; Pants; Shirts; Socks; T-shirts; Tops; Sweatshirts; [and] Hooded Sweatshirts.”
Chance the Rapper gave notice to the U.S. District Court in Northern Illinois that he will embark upon a North American tour on April 24.
“The Tour consists of performances at major arenas, venues, and festivals throughout the United States…including concerts in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Atlanta, Houston, and Detroit.”
To prevent any possible bootlegging, Bennett specifies that only CTR Touring holds the exclusive license to merchandising.
Bennett, “on information and belief,” states that the Defendants, or “bootleggers” will sell infringing clothing items. He wrote,
“[Bootleggers] will sell and distribute unauthorized, infringing t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and other merchandise…in the vicinity of the Tour Venues, before, during and after Tour Performances.”
Unfortunately, Chance the Rapper has dealt with bootleggers before. In 2016, “bootleggers appeared outside of venues with backpacks and duffel bags full of Infringing Merchandise.” To shut down these vendors, Bennett filed for a Preliminary Injunction and Seizure Order. The court granted the Order on September 27, 2016.
