A company representing former American rock band Nirvana is suing Marc Jacobs International for copyright infringement over its “Bootleg Redux Grunge” clothing range. The claim was filed on December 28, 2018 in the US District Court for the Central District of California. Marc Jacobs released its “Bootleg Redux Grunge” collection in November 2018, based on the designer Marc Jacobs work with fashion company Perry Ellis in 1993. The complaint claimed that the misuse of the smiley face logo, and the numerous references to Nirvana in Marc Jacobs’ marketing material, amount to “common law trademark infringement, false designation of origin, passing off and unfair competition”. Nirvana LLC described the alleged infringement as “intentional, malicious and oppressive”. It is seeking an injunction to prevent Marc Jacobs from advertising or selling any items bearing the smiley face image, as well as damages and fees.

Source: WIPR