The iconic grunge band Nirvana and the fashion brand Marc Jacobs long-running legal dispute band's smiley face
The resolution, announced on July 9, puts an end to a battle that had dragged on since 2018 , when Nirvana sued Marc Jacobs for allegedly using the logo without authorization in a clothing collection.
At the time, the band's lawyers argued that Marc Jacobs had intentionally used the logo to associate the Redux Grunge with Nirvana, seeking to benefit from the group's popularity. The collection in question consisted of clothing with a smiling face, the brand's initials, M and J, in place of the eyes, and the word Heaven above in a font similar to that of the band.
Marc Jacobs, on the other hand, denied any wrongdoing and argued that the smiley face design was generic and not protected by copyright.
Alleged authorship
It's not known for sure who actually created the design for the band. Some say it was Kurt Cobain who designed the logo, although the band members claim not to have witnessed it.
However, the dispute became even more complicated when former Geffen Records director Robert Fisher claimed to be the true creator. Fisher stated that he had drawn the face and had never received proper credit or compensation for his creation.
Decision and agreement
In a settlement mediated by Judge Steve Kim , the three parties – Nirvana, Marc Jacobs, and Robert Fisher – agreed to resolve the dispute amicably. Details of the settlement have not yet been released, but all parties have committed to abiding by the terms of the “Mediators’ Proposal” presented by the judge.
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