Outkast Sues Atlanta EDM Duo Over "ATLiens" Name, Alleging Trademark Infringement and Unfair Competition
Atlanta's iconic rap group Outkast is stepping into the legal arena against an electronic dance music duo using the name “ATLiens,” a word they claim to have coined nearly three decades ago. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the lawsuit, filed by Outkast's trademark holding company High Schoolers LLC, alleges that the EDM duo's use of "ATLiens" is unauthorized and an infringement upon their common law rights.
The dispute centers on the cultural significance and origination of the term. Outkast asserts that before their sophomore album's release in 1996, the word "ATLiens" did not exist in the cultural lexicon, according to the lawsuit obtained by Rolling Stone. The legal filing details the duo's concerns about potential consumer confusion, exacerbated, by the EDM group's practice of performing in masks which, according to Outkast, might lead some to believe there is a connection between the two outfits.
While Outkast has alleged "unfair competition" and a host of other counts including, "trademark infringement under Georgia common law," and "deceptive trade practices," they are urging the court to enact an injunction to prevent the EDM duo from using the "ATLiens" name. Representatives from Big Boi and Andre 3000's camp have been seeking an amicable resolution, but claim the EDM duo, ATLiens Touring, Inc. continues to utilize the disputed moniker.
In what seems to be a straightforward claim of intellectual property, Outkast's lawsuit goes beyond simply stopping the use of the name. They want reparations for any profits the EDM group may have earned through the alleged infringement, and the destruction of all goods bearing the mark "ATLiens." Moreover, "This is a basic brand protection issue," Abigail J. Remore and Peter Nussbaum, lawyers for CSG Law representing Outkast, told Rolling Stone. The EDM duo has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit.
Outkast's legal maneuver aligns with their legacy as pioneers in the hip-hop genre, where their work has been defined by creative expression and a distinct Atlanta flavor. With their album "ATLiens," reaching its 28-year anniversary, it remains a cornerstone of their career and an emblem of their contribution to the music industry. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent in the increasingly complex intersection of music, branding, and cultural influence.
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