BEYONCE, Jay Z, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West are taking legal action against contemporary sportswear label ElevenParis. The stars, and their respective holding companies, allege that the company has used each of their names and likeness without their permission on garments that bear their image as well as slogans such as "Kanye is my Homie" and "Pharrell is my Brotha".
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The Paris-based company sells relatively inexpensive products - including T-shirts, sweatshirts, mobile phone covers and backpacks - although the garments in question have all now disappeared from the brand's website. Almost 60 violations against the musicians are listed in the lawsuit, in which the group is seeking the end of manufacturing for all offending items; as well as unspecified damages including not only legal fees but also the profits made from the items.
Rihanna
Picture credit: Getty
Vogue
But this is where the plot thickens. Firstly, it seems that this isn't the first time that the company has fallen foul of this group of celebrities, as the suit details a prior warning: "Even after receiving warning to cease selling the infringing goods, defendants continue to sell unauthorised products and to trade upon the goodwill associated with the plaintiffs, all for defendants' profits."
Secondly, some of the stars in question have relationships with the brand,The Fashion Law reports: "Kylie Jenner (sister-in-law of Kanye West) was recently featured on ElevenParis's webiste in its 'Karl is my Father' T-shirt; Solange Knowles, Beyoncé's sister, fronted one of its recent ad campaigns; and finally, the final cause of action in the complaint is one for breach of contract on behalf of Beyoncé, claiming that 'the defendants entered into an agreement with Beyoncé in January 2015' and subsequently breached it in connection with its sale of the infringing goods. Sounds like the two parties may have had a deal in the works."
However this lawsuit pans out, they are by no means the only people in the public eye whose name or likeness has been used by ElevenParis. Chanel,which famously has little patience for such matters, might take a dim view of both the aforementioned Karl slogan as well as another that reads "Chic like Coco"; while others featuring Iggy Pop, Kate Moss and the Fifty Shades of Grey protagonist "Mr Grey" could be subject to similar litigation.
