The 'Freedom' singer and the Texas company, who sued each other in trademark infringement claim, are reportedly in advanced negotiations for a settlement to dismiss the case.
- Oct 31, 2018
AceShowbiz - Beyonce Knowles is close to resolving her bitter legal battle with a business selling clothes under the name 'Feyonce'.
The pop superstar sued Texas business owners Andre Maurice and Leana Lopez in 2016, objecting to them attempting to trademark the term and using it to sell clothing and merchandise. The entrepreneurs hit back - claiming that the name of their brand was an innocent play on the word 'fiancee', and that she was using her fame to bully them.
The two parties were due in court on Thursday, November 01, but Beyonce has requested an adjournment as she and the defendants are close to reaching a settlement to dismiss the case.
Documents obtained by U.S. website The Blast state, "The parties have met and conferred regarding settlement and are currently involved in advanced negotiations that the parties anticipate will resolve this matter shortly."
Earlier this month a federal judge denied Beyonce's request for an injunction against Feyonce, arguing that a jury might conclude that the company's customers understood the pun, and therefore would not confuse it with official Beyonce-endorsed products.
In her original complaint the 37-year-old musician accused the firm of profiting from her name and work by selling Feyonce products with the tagline, "He put a ring on it" - a phrase closely resembling a lyric from her 2008 track "Single Ladies". She sought an injunction to stop them selling the merchandise and demanded they turn over all their profits.
Maurice and Lopez argued the singer had no evidence to show they had infringed on any copyrights or that their apparel line had damaged her brand - claiming they never used the singer's likeness to sell products or used her name in marketing material.
Beyonce and the defendants have until 15 November to inform the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York of their intentions.
