Run-DMC co-founder sues Amazon, Wal-Mart for trademark infringement

McDaniels called the Run-DMC brand “extremely valuable,” and said it is the subject of several licensing agreements, including to endorse sneakers from Adidas AG.READ MORE: Toronto Maple Leafs seek trademark challenge against Snoop Dogg pot logoHe said the defendants are confusing consumers into believing that Run-DMC endorsed their products and are trading on the goodwill associated with the name, in violation of federal trademark and New York unfair competition laws.“Plaintiff will suffer immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage” unless the infringements are stopped, according to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan.Other defendants include Jet.com, an online retailer that Wal-Mart is buying, and a variety of companies that do business with Amazon or sell products through Amazon.READ MORE: Mars banned from selling M&M’s in Sweden after chocolate trademark disputeAmazon, Wal-Mart and Jet.com did not immediately respond to requests for comment. McDaniels’ lawyer did not immediately respond to similar requests.Run-DMC was founded in the New York City borough of Queens in 1981 by McDaniels, Joseph “Run” Simmons and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. It became one of the best-known rap acts of the 1980s, including for the album “Raising Hell” and such songs as the Aerosmith cover “Walk This Way” and “My Adidas.”In 2009, Run-DMC became the second rap act inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.WATCH: Amazon files patent papers for massive delivery blimp

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