Akoo files trademark complaint against T.I.'s Akoo brand
18 Mar '10
2 min read
Akoo International, the world's largest social music television network, announced that it has filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Clifford J. Harris, Jr., also known as rapper T.I., and his Akoo Clothing Brand, for trademark infringement.
Akoo International, which has long used the federally registered trademark Akoo, delivers music video programming and advertising to 89.6 million monthly consumers in out-of-home environments, including premium shopping malls and leading universities in 54 top metropolitan areas across 30 states.
Akoo's patented technology empowers viewers to interact with programming on large-screen, networked HDTVs using their mobile devices like remote controls. Viewers can select music videos from all four major record labels – via text message request or Akoo's mobile app – and share them on the network, free and on-demand. Viewers can also participate in location-based digital marketplaces and social media activities.
Akoo believes Harris' infringing use of the Akoo trademark in connection with his new clothing line has and will mislead, deceive, and confuse consumers and prospective Akoo clients, who mistakenly believe that the clothing line is connected, associated, or affiliated with Akoo when no such connection exists. Confusion exists since the Akoo social music television network is deployed in shopping malls and the Akoo Clothing Brand is promoted in a manner that emphasizes ties to the music entertainment business, including providing playback of T.I.'s music videos via the www.akooclothingbrand.com website.
Further, Harris' alleged infringement has diluted the goodwill successfully built up by Akoo, particularly as a result of the recent controversy and widespread negative publicity stemming from the Akoo Clothing Brand's sexually explicit billboard in Newark, New Jersey.
“Akoo has been recognized as a leading social TV platform for connecting brand advertisers with millions of our engaged viewers,” said Akoo CEO Niko Drakoulis. “Our primary obligation and goal is to prevent confusion among our consumers, which is among the most basic objectives of trademark law. At the same time, Akoo has invested nearly a decade of effort and substantial capital to deploy its network and will do everything in its power to protect its brand.”
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