Will.i.am Takes Legal Action Against Pharrell Over “i am OTHER” Brand

Will.i.am is taking legal action Pharrell Williams for his “i am OTHER” brand, claiming that he owns the copyright to the phrase “I am.”

Will.i.am is also arguing that Pharrell’s logo is “confusingly similar” to his. The former Black Eyed Peas member said that Pharrell would be using the brand on clothing and other merchandise in a manner similar to those that bear his “I AM” logo.

In his notice of opposition, Will.i.am — whose real name is William James Adams — wrote, “The registration of the mark . . . is likely to dilute the I AM mark and the WILL.I.AM mark.”

While Will.i.am has not commented on the notice, Pharrell has voiced his displeasure at the allegations.

“I am disappointed that Will, a fellow artist, would file a case against me. I am someone who likes to talk things out and, in fact, I attempted to do just that on many occasions,” Pharrell said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “I am surprised in how this is being handled and I am confident that Will’s trademark claims will ultimately be found to be as meritless and ridiculous as I do.”

Pharrell describes i am OTHER as a “cultural movement dedicated to Thinkers, Innovators and Outcasts.” According to the brand’s manifesto, “OTHERS defy expectations and stereotypes” and “believe individuality is the new wealth.” i am OTHER is also a YouTube channel, which was launched on May 12, 2012 as part of YouTube’s $100 million original channel initiative. The channel focuses on music, fashion, culture, and the arts.

Will.i.am recently admitted that he “borrowed” the music from Arty and Mat Zo’s song “Rebound” for his song with Chris Brown, “Let’s Go.” He said he showed his version to Arty and said he would change the copyrighted parts because he didn’t want to steal the song, but after a year, he decided that he liked the version with Arty’s track better.

What do you think of Will.i.am’s notice of opposition against Pharrell?

[Will.i.am photo: Eva Rinaldi / Flickr; Pharrell photo: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]