Lawsuit Spotlight: Sean John Brand VS Empress Haircare Products

Article written by: Asmara Wreksono
Posted on: January 13, 2012

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Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a lawsuit by Empress Haircare Products for using the Empress name for a perfume created by the Sean John Clothing Company. The lawsuit was filed January 10 in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.

Allhiphop.com reports: The lawsuit stated that reps of Sean John tried to file a trademark for the name “Empress” even though they knew that the trademark already belonged to Empress Haircare Products. About two years ago in February 2010, an attorney from Sean John contacted Empress Haircare Products and attempted to exchange the rights for the trademark and compensate the company in return. The request was declined by Empress Haircare Products.

Sean John then filed another application to trademark “Empress Sean John” but it’s rejected due to the confusion that might surface among customers because of the similar names. Again, attorneys for Sean John came in contact with Empress Haircare Products to once more plead their case.

The lawsuit also claimed that Sean John released the “Empress Sean John Perfume and Lotion” and its target market is the same as Empress Haircare Line. The company is suing Sean John for infringement of a federally registered trademark and unfair competition. Empress Haircare Products seeks damages of up to three times the amount suffered plus three times the profits earned by Sean John’s Empress perfume line.

That’s quite a slap. We wonder how Diddy takes it. Will keep our eyes and ears open for developing drama.