Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A Philadelphia-based band named Jellyroll is taking legal action against country star Jelly Roll, alleging trademark infringement and claiming that it has caused irreparable harm to their business.
The lawsuit, filed last week, argues that the wedding and charitable band Jellyroll has held the trademark for Jellyroll since 1980, well before the birth of the 39-year-old singer. The band claims to have provided musical and vocal accompaniment for various events, including performances at the White House for President George W. Bush and his family.
According to the lawsuit, Jelly Roll’s rising fame has caused confusion in the northeast music scene, leading to a decline in the band’s online presence. The suit highlights how a search for Jelly Roll on search engines now primarily returns results related to the country star, rather than the band.
Additionally, the lawsuit mentions that Jelly Roll’s team engaged in discussions with the band about a cease-and-desist letter, raising questions about potential competition between the two parties. The band also asserts that Jelly Roll’s past criminal history, including a felony conviction and imprisonment, has further damaged their reputation by association.
Jelly Roll, known for his 2021 album “Ballad of the Broken,” has faced personal struggles and legal issues in the past. Despite these challenges, he has found success in his music career and recently won three awards at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. His journey from a tumultuous past to achieving musical recognition serves as a testament to his resilience and determination.
Overall, the legal battle between Jellyroll the band and Jelly Roll the singer underscores the complexities of trademark disputes in the entertainment industry and highlights the impact of fame and reputation on artists and businesses alike. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.