Jay-Z's Roc Nation Logo at Center of Trademark Lawsuit

James Devaney, WireImage

Jay-Z's ever expanding Roc Nation label is the target of a new trademark infringement lawsuit filed by California-based clothing and accessories company Volcom.

In the lawsuit, filed on Tuesday (March 29), Volcom takes issues with Roc Nation's popular diamond logo, which the company claims that they originally began to use in 1991. An excerpt from Volcom's official lawsuit reads, "While Roc Nation appears to have initially used the diamond only in combination with the words 'Roc Nation' it is now using the diamond logo on its own, causing a likelihood of confusion among consumers."

Volcom points to the use of the diamond logo on clothing and accessories, including the Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviator headphones, which debuted in 2010. The lawsuit seeks to prevent Roc Nation from branding future products, as well as removing the logo from past items. It cites trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition and false designation of origin, among a few other legal issues.

View the Roc Nation logo here and the Volcom diamond logo here, and judge for yourself.

In the past year, Jay-Z has continued to beef up the artists and performers on his label. In addition to signing big ticket names like J. Cole, Jay Electronica and Willow Smith, he has added several artists to Roc Nation's management roster, including Rihanna, Santigold and DJs Harley Viera Newton, DJ Mick Boogie, DJ D-Nice and Samantha Ronson.

Two of Roc Nation's most high profile artists -- Rihanna and J. Cole -- are scheduled to set out on tour together this summer. J. Cole will open for Rihanna in North American cities as part of the pop star's Loud tour.

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Are these volcom fools stupid? that comparison link is the only light they will receive if anybody hit the link

March 31 2011 at 6:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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