Run-DMC founder sues Amazon, Wal-Mart for $50M over trademark infringement

Darryl McDaniels, the owner of Run-DMC Brand LLC, filed suit against Amazon and Wal-Mart for $50 million in damages, claiming trademark infringement.

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On Thursday, a founder for Run-DMC filed suit against Amazon and Wal-Mart for $50 million in damages, claiming trademark infringement because Amazon and Wal-Mart have allegedly been selling clothing and accessories with the group’s name without permission.

Darryl McDaniels, the owner of Run-DMC Brand LLC, says that the Run-DMC brand is “extremely valuable” in the suit and said that the brand has been used in several licensing agreements, including one to endorse Adidas.

However, the suit says, the defendants are trading on the rap group’s good name, which hurts the licensing agreements that are in place.

According to the suit, “plaintiff will suffer immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage” unless the infringements start.

In addition to Amazon and Wal-Mart, other defendants are named such as Jet.com and several companies that sell products through Amazon or do business with Amazon. McDaniels is seeking at least $50 million in damages for the products that infringe on his copyright.

 

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