Madonna is often called pop culture’s great influencer. But
according to beauty and fashion brand Hard Candy, the superstar maliciously
swiped their name in order to hawk fitness DVDs and apparel.
The Florida company, founded in 1995, filed a lawsuit in
federal court for trademark infringement and unfair competition, claiming the
mogul mom, 55, began selling her goods under the Hard Candy name in 2011 —
despite a previous rejection from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“Defendants’ actions have caused and will cause Hard Candy,
LLC irreparable harm for which money damages and other legal remedies are
inadequate,” federal court papers state. “Unless Defendants are restrained by
this Court, Defendants will continue and/or expand the improper activities
alleged in this Complaint and otherwise continue to cause great and irreparable
harm and injury to Hard Candy, LLC.”
Though Hard Candy is also suing Madonna’s longtime manager,
Guy Oseary, they claim the controversial singer “is the driving force behind
the infringing activity, taking credit herself for the initial selection and
subsequent expansion,” the documents continue.
