LA based DJ duo Classixx discovered H&M was illegally printing “Classixx” on their merchandise. The name was used without approval and the duo filed a trademark infringement suit against the fashion retailer last week.
Classixx’s name was printed in white letters on the front of black sweaters. When H&M was approached on the matter, the company denied any unapproved use and took it further by insulting the artists.
The duo’s attorney stated that H&M “denied any liability,” “threatened Classixx with claims for costs and attorneys’ fees,” and even went as far as ”referring to the band as a “relatively unknown DJ duo.”
This comes as a shocking response from H&M, who has played Classixx’s music in its stores. Adding insult to injury, H&M followed up with saying,”the use of a word as a decorative feature on an article of clothing is not trademark use.”
Classixx released their second studio album Faraway Reach last year. Working with artists such as T-Pain, Passion Pit, and Phoenix, the band shows that it is not “unknown”. They still plan to continue with the case even after H&M has denied allegations. A full statement given by their attorney is posted below.
“Our client attempted to resolve this amicably with H&M before going to court. But, despite H&M’s blatant infringement of Classixx’s trademark and publicity rights, it denied any liability, threatened Classixx with claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, and insultingly referred to the band as a “relatively unknown DJ duo.” Clearly, H&M, which has been known to broadcast Classixx music in its stores, is no friend to the artist. For H&M to profit by marketing and selling without consent “Classixx”-branded apparel at its stores around the world is bad, but responding in the manner it did is even worse. The band looks forward to their day in court.”
Y’all selling merch at H&M? @Classixx pic.twitter.com/UnXlMEccCh
— eric (@SorcerersStone) July 29, 2017
@Classixx merch in H&M Paris? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Rmk8XWJFic
— Filthy French (@FilthyFrench) September 9, 2017