NEW YORK – Will.i.am says a trademark Pharrell Williams’ company tried to register is too similar to his “I AM” trademark.
Will.i.am has owned the “I AM” trademark since 2001. He filed oppositions in March and May against Williams’ company, i am OTHER. It launched in 2010.
In a statement Thursday, will.i.am’s attorney Ken Hertz says trademark lawyers for will.i.am and Williams “discussed the matter for several months.” He says because of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s deadlines, will.i.am “had no choice but to lodge his objection at the time he did.”
Hertz says the lawyers for the musicians first spoke in December.
Williams says in a statement he’s “disappointed” and “surprised” by will.i.am’s opposition.
Will.i.am uses “I AM” for a number of his businesses, including his charity foundation I AM ANGEL.
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