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In a multi-million-dollar lawsuit, the estate of MF DOOM is accusing the e-commerce giant Temu of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and misappropriation of likeness. According to a report by Complex, the legal action alleges that Temu has been selling counterfeit merchandise featuring the likeness and trademarks of the late rap icon.
The lawsuit was filed by Gas Drawls LLC, a company founded by MF DOOM and his wife, Jasmine Dumile Thompson. The legal documents claim that Temu, and its parent company Whaleco Inc., have “willfully” and “maliciously” infringed upon trademarks associated with the artist. The lawsuit argues that the sale of these counterfeit goods has not only caused financial damage but has also “devalued” DOOM’s status within the hip-hop community. The lawsuit cites multiple examples of infringing products, including t-shirts and art prints.
This isn’t the first time Temu has faced such accusations. The fast-fashion and e-commerce platform has been in a series of legal battles, with multiple designers and brands, including Shein, accusing the company of intellectual property theft. The company’s business model, which relies on a network of third-party suppliers, has made it a target for allegations of selling counterfeit and unauthorized products. Lawsuits have also been filed against Temu regarding data privacy and the use of forced labor.
The MF DOOM lawsuit highlights a growing concern for artists and creators in the age of fast-fashion and online marketplaces. Platforms like Temu have made it incredibly easy for third-party sellers to profit from unauthorized designs and intellectual property. For independent artists and estates like MF DOOM’s, pursuing legal action can be a costly and time-consuming process. The challenge is often compounded by the difficulty of tracking down and holding foreign-based sellers accountable. This case could set an important precedent for how these platforms are held liable for the content sold by their suppliers.
