The Wu-Tang Clan are legends in the hip-hop community, and their brand is an unmistakable component of that legacy. So naturally, RZA is no longer permitting others to infringe upon the Wu-Tang brand.
RZA’s Case
RZA, the founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, recently filed a legal suit hoping to recoup all monies due him for trademark infringement. According to a source, many sites have been pedaling various items using the Wu-Tang trademark. These items are counterfeit. So RZA wants them to cease immediately.
A Trademark; a Legacy Symbol
RZA’s desire is pointed; he aims to protect his brand and Wu-tang’s legacy. He is moving forward with the understanding a clearly defined way of doing this is putting a stop to businesses bootlegging their trademark.
A source notes,
“The move aims to stop bootleggers from selling more products, counterfeit copies, or colorable imitations of Wu-Tang Clan products while asking companies such as Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress to remove advertisements.”
RZA’s Price
RZA is seeking a lofty recompense for products already sent to market, per HipHopDX.
“RZA is seeking all profits and damages for trademark infringement or being awarded $2 million for every use of the Wu-Tang Clan trademarks.”
RZA’s ask is no chump change.
If awarded this amount, RZA will do more than reap compensation for improper use of his brand. He will set a precedent. Perhaps bootleggers will exercise caution when deciding to counterfeit.
RZA’s First Go Around
RZA has pursued legal action against those who felt it okay to copy the brand to promote their services before. For example, in 2017, RZA filed against Woof-clan, a dog walking company. The proximity of the business logo to the Wu-Tang brand and other promotional materials gave the appearance of infringement. As noted,
“They also sold dog T-shirts referencing rap albums such as Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version and De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising.”
Undoubtedly, this appears sketchy!
While the establishment of Woof-Clan as a company name is harmless on face value, the distribution of products under the name appears calculated.
Woof-Clan CEO Responds
The owner of Woof-Clan was in shock over the lawsuit. But, in his words, he chose the name because he was a fan.
“I am a fan. We walk dogs. I thought it was a good idea.”
Unfortunately, ignorance of proper business etiquette is not an excuse. The owner of Woof-Clan thought it appropriate to use the brand’s likeness to promote his company. He was wrong.
RZA is seizing control
He is making this move to protect what he birthed and the legacy that coincides with the brand. How will this end? We will have to keep abreast of the proceedings to determine whether he will succeed. FM Hip Hop will follow this story and keep you updated.
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Written by Renae Richardson
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Do you have an interest in what other things are happening in RZA’s life? Then check out FM HipHop’s retrospective articles.
