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Republic Records sues ‘Republic’ investment system more than emblems
The logo of Universal Music Group (UMG) is observed at a making in Zurich, Switzerland July 20, 2021. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
(Reuters) – Universal Songs Group’s Republic Records sued on the web financial investment platform Republic in Manhattan federal courtroom on Friday, accusing the system of infringing its emblems with its services for songs-connected investments.
Universal Music Team (UMG) claimed the platform will result in purchaser confusion with the Republic Information label, whose artists include things like Taylor Swift, Drake, Stevie Question and other popular musicians. It questioned for a court order blocking Republic from employing its name for tunes-associated products and services.
UMG explained the parties had reviewed a settlement throughout October, but Republic dropped out of the talks and released the company Nov. 4.
New York-dependent Republic didn’t right away reply to a ask for for comment, nor did UMG or its legal professional David Donahue of Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu.
Republic was established in 2016 and delivers investing chances in fields including real estate, cryptocurrency, video clip games and startups. Its advisers contain businesswoman Randi Zuckerberg and venture capitalist Tim Draper.
In accordance to the grievance, Republic’s tunes-investment support enables users to acquire non-fungible tokens (NFT) in unreleased tunes and acquire royalties and “distinctive benefits” this kind of as live performance tickets and products when the tunes are streamed.
“In other words, Defendant’s Republic Marks are employed in connection with the comprehensive suite of merchandise and services that document labels typically supply,” UMG explained.
The complaint claimed UMG and Republic Records are also setting up to increase into NFTs.
In accordance to UMG, the system has presently brought on confusion among music-sector gurus and many others who mistakenly imagined the two have been affiliated.
UMG reported it does not item to Republic’s use of the name for other expenditure providers “as very long as they do not overlap with the audio sector.”
The scenario is UMG Recordings Inc v. OpenDeal Inc d/b/a Republic, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, No. 1:21-cv-09358.
For UMG: David Donahue of Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu