AceShowbiz - Outkast has initiated legal action against rapper Ovrkast. for using a stage name that closely resembles theirs, Xxlmag reports. The lawsuit was filed by High Schoolers LLC, the trademark holding company controlled by Outkast, accusing Ovrkast. of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and breach of contract related to the unauthorized use of the OVRKAST mark.

Pitchfork also detailed that the Oakland-based rapper Silas Wilson, known as Ovrkast., allegedly violated a prior agreement that required him to cease using the original name and adopt the alternative OVERKXST. Despite this settlement, Ovrkast. failed to comply with the name change deadlines, prompting the federal lawsuit. Billboard adds that Outkast claimed Ovrkast.’s continued use of the similar name causes ongoing harm to their brand, with previous cease-and-desist efforts dating back over a year.

On his own Instagram, Ovrkast. expressed surprise and disappointment over the lawsuit, tagging Outkast members André 3000 and Big Boi. He shared that the legal action has been hurtful and acknowledged the confusion surrounding his stage name that he had previously discussed in interviews.

Outkast, the Atlanta-based hip hop duo known for their breakthrough single "Player’s Ball" and their film appearance in Idlewild, have a history of protecting their name vigorously. The duo, comprising André 3000 and Big Boi, has earned multiple Grammy and other award nominations throughout their career. They also recently settled a similar trademark dispute in 2023 with the EDM duo ATLiens.

This lawsuit highlights the challenges artists face in protecting their brand identity amid name similarities in the music industry. For Outkast, maintaining clear ownership of their iconic name is critical to preserving their legacy and preventing confusion among fans and consumers.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.