Run-DMC Files $50M Infringement Suit Against Walmart, Amazon

Iconic rap group Run-DMC has filed a lawsuit against Walmart, Amazon, Jet and others for more than $50 million, claiming the companies used the group’s name and logo without permission. The suit claims that items such as fedora hats and square-frame sunglasses advertise with Run-DMC in the title or description, but not the logo. Other companies, as well as 20 John Does, allegedly use the group’s logo on shirts, purses, patches, and other products. The group cited the value of its brand as in excess of $100 million from intellectual property associated with the trademark “RUN-DMC” since its inception in the 1980s, including the sale of music, music publishing, concerts, merchandising and endorsement deals. The suit claims the defendants have “harmed RUN-DMC’s ability to utilize, market, promote and sell products with its registered trademark.”