Will.i.am, Pharrell Feud: The Black Eyed Peas Singer Sues Music Producer
Will.i.am is taking legal action against fellow high-profile producer Pharrell Williams, claiming Williams' new brand "i am OTHER" and accompanying logo infringes on The Black Eyed Peas frontman's "I AM" copyright, according to courts documents obtained by Rolling Stone magazine.
In the legal documents, Will.i.am claims Pharrell's "i am OTHER" will be featured on clothing and other items in a similar fashion as goods that showcase the "I AM" logo.
"The registration of the mark . . . is likely to dilute the I AM mark and the WILL.I.AM mark," the document reads.
Pharrell's lawyers and "i am OTHER" issued a legal response to Will.i.am's notice of opposition, denying all the claims.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Williams expressed dismay and said he wished Will.i.am would of contacted him directly before taking the matter to court.
"I am disappointed that Will, a fellow artist, would file a case against me," Pharrell said in a statement to the music magazine. "I am someone who likes to talk things out and, in fact, I attempted to do just that on many occasions."
Williams, the producer of such hits as Snoop Dogg's Drop It Like It's Hot and Gwen Stefan's Hollaback Girl also said he believed the accusations against him would eventually be found untrue.
"I am surprised in how this is being handled and I am confident that Will's trademark claims will ultimately be found to be as meritless and ridiculous as I do," he said in the statement.
On the "i am OTHER" website, a statement reads, "i am OTHER, created by Pharrell Williams, is a creative venture and way of life. We are proud to be different and believe that individuality is the new wealth." This shared philosophy flows through each pillar within the company: music, film, television, apparel, tech and multimedia..."
