An Orange County surf shop’s owners are suing Lady Gaga over her new album “Mayhem,” the logo of which infringes upon their own Mayhem brand, the suit claims.
Matt Biolos said that for nearly four decades, his San Clemente-based business has used the Mayhem logo now often spotted in surf, skate and snow culture. The word, Biolos’ nickname, was trademarked in 2015.
Biolos’ and business partner Mike Reola’s Lost International LLC sued Gaga on Tuesday, demanding she stop using the “Mayhem” logo Biolos argues is too similar to their own, as reported by the Orange County Register.
As reported by People, the suit claims the two logos are “nearly identical,” and they’re seeking $100 million in damages.
“The sale of apparel and accessories by one of the world’s biggest stars using the familiar name and logo will dilute the reputation of his counter-culture brand that, with her exposure, would now be considered mainstream, Biolos argues,” the Register said.
Biolos said he tried to work things out amicably with Gaga’s legal team, but in a statement, attorney Orin Snyder argued Biolos and Reola were attempting a shakedown.
“Lady Gaga’s ‘Mayhem’ soared to No. 1 and shattered records, a testament to her unmatched talent and global impact,” Snyder said. “It’s disappointing — but hardly surprising — that someone is now attempting to capitalize on her success with a baseless lawsuit over the name Mayhem.”
Gaga released her seventh studio album, “Mayhem” on March 7.
