From track suits to black, thick-rimmed glasses, heavy gold rope chains and shell-toe Adidas, the legendary group RUN-DMC had an unmistakable look that came to be synonymous with early hip-hop. But they didn’t just create a cool identity, these savvy businessmen trademarked it. Now they are suing Wal-Mart, Amazon, and the latter’s business partners for alleged infringement. RUN-DMC is seeking $50 million in damages.
In a lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Darryl McDaniels, the trademark’s owner, claims the stores are confusing consumers by “advertising, manufacturing, selling and distributing multiple products” that imply the group endorsed the merchandise. The lawsuit alleges that the companies have improperly profited, diluted, and harmed the RUN-DMC brand.
McDaniels is listed as the plaintiff in the suit. Watch him school REVOLT on Gazelles, gold chains, and bucket hats below: