The Black Eyed Peas artist's attorney Ken Hertz denies suing the N.E.R.D member and clarifies it's all routine trademark procedure.
- Jun 28, 2013
AceShowbiz - After Pharrell Williams expressed his disappointment towards will.i.am after learning that his fellow record producer had filed a case against him over his "i am OTHER" brand, the Black Eyed Peas leader is quick to make a clarification over the "misinformation." Through his lawyer, the "#willpower" artist says he's not suing Williams but rather just complying with routine trademark procedure.
will's attorney, Ken Hertz, says in a statement that the copyright claim is a "run-of-the-mill trademark procedure" in order to "defend trademarks that have been registered and that [will.i.am] has used widely and continuously for many years." Hertz also mentions that they are simply complying with the deadline to file their claim with the Trademark Office, otherwise, their objections wouldn't be heard.
"This is how the process works," Hertz begins to explain. "We own a trademark. They have applied for a trademark. We think their proposed trademark is too close to our registered and common law trademarks. They disagree. We hope to work out a sensible compromise that will allow both parties to move forward without unnecessary acrimony."
In response to the clarification, Pharrell's lawyer Brad Rose, has likewise issued a statement, insisting that his client has in fact reached out to "amicably resolve this matter" but it's will who has "steadfastly refused to engage in a dialogue." Rose also goes on to state that will.i.am "misguidedly believes that he has the sole right to the words 'I AM' " which set off the multiple trademark cases filed by his counsel.
