Is a Music Group’s Trademark for Merchandise, Streaming Music, and Live Performances Confusingly Similar to a Fashion Brand’s Clothing Trademark?

Chinnian, in flickr (April 6, 2012), https://www.flickr.com/photos/chinnian/7049957303

Chrome Hearts v. Neil Young’s New Band “Chrome Hearts” By Hannah Lee

Reuters reports here that luxury fashion brand Chrome Hearts filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in California’s Central District against Neil Young and his new band, called Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts (“NYTCH”), based on Young and his band’s alleged use of “Chrome Hearts” for clothing merchandise, bags, live performances, and streaming platforms. The suit asks whether the band's merch, music, and related materials is likely to confuse consumers into thinking that the band’s trademark is somehow related to the CHROME HEARTS trademark. The fashion company seeks monetary damages and a court order preventing Young and the other named defendants from using the trademark.