This lawsuit might seem crazy — but that’s how it goes.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Monowise Limited Corporation has filed a suit against the organizers of the Ozy Fest festival, claiming that the festival’s logo steps on Monowise’s trademark.
The suit, filed against Ozy Media on Wednesday, claims that the Ozy Fest marks “are nearly identical in sight, sound, connotation and commercial impression to MLC’s well-known Ozzfest mark.”
Osbourne’s company contends that the Ozy Fest logo makes a point of associating itself with rock music.
“Defendants’ OZYFEST Logo consists of psychedelic imagery, which consumers associate with rock music,” the lawsuit reads. “On information and belief, Defendants intentionally use brightly colored in blots and paint splatter in their OZYFEST Logo to create psychedelic imagery, and for the express purpose of impressing upon consumers that Defendants’ festival includes rock music, just like MLC’s OZZFEST event.”
According to the suit, Ozy Fest, held in Central Park in July, included performances by Talib Kweli, Jason Derulo and others.”
MLC says that it reached out ot Ozy Media with a cease-and-desist letter, and were told by Ozy’s counsel that there was no likelihood of confusion because Ozy Fest is a “media-focused event.”
TheWrap has reached out to Ozy Media for comment on the suit.
Alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and other counts, the suit is asking the court to order Ozy not to infringe on MLC’s trademarks, as well as unspecified damages.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.