Eminem is fighting “RHOP” stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon’s request to have him deposed in court amid their trademark dispute.
The iconic rapper sought a protective order against the two reality stars, explaining that it would not be easy for him to appear in person in court.
Eminem Battles ‘RHOP’ Star Over Trademark Dispute
Eminem responded to Bryant and Dixon’s motion asking him to be physically present for the deposition with a request for a protective order. According to the “Mockingbird” rapper, appearing in court would be “very burdensome” because he has “limited knowledge of the subject matter at issue.”
The 15-time Grammy Award winner claims he is “removed from the day-to-day activities and details of the use and promotion” of his SHADY mark, even though he is the “listed owner and asserted trademark registration signatory.”
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The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, submitted three names to the court to appear in his absence because they have “superior knowledge to Mathers on the relevant topic.” Per People Magazine, Eminem’s manager Paul Rosenberg is one of the names listed.
Eminem claimed Rosenberg was the ideal person to fire because “it was under Rosenberg’s direction that Mathers registered the SHADY marks asserted in this case.” Eric Hahn, Chief Marketing Officer of Universal Music Group subsidiary Fame House, and Stuart Parr, who handled its licensing for many years, are two other names.
In addition, the award-winning artist argued that “The Real Housewives of Potomac” star filed a “premature and procedurally improper” motion for her deposition because they failed to serve her first.
Eminem’s legal battle against Bryant and Dixon began in February after the “Lose Yourself” rapper filed an objection to the pair’s trademark application for the name of their podcast “Reasonably Shady.”
It’s no news that Eminem is mostly associated with the word shady thanks to his nicknames “Slim Shady” and “Shady.” He also owns a trademark to use the word on his merchandise and music.
In February, Eminem filed to block the trademark, citing that his brand would be destroyed if the trademark was granted. He argued that it could cause “confusion” among his fans who know him by his nickname.
Instagram/GizelleBryant
“Slim Shady and Shady marks have been and are very valuable symbols of Mathers, his reputation, and goodwill,” court documents read.
Despite Eminem’s latest filing, Dixon and Bryant’s attorneys are standing by the rapper’s request to be ousted in court. “It seems clear to us that if you file a lawsuit, you should be prepared to be deposed,” their attorney told People.
The lawyer explained that his client “would like to question Mathers at least about the use of the expressions Slim Shady and Shady,” adding, “It is not clear to us that Mathers could be the owner of the trademark and file this suit against our client but he would not be willing to overthrown.”
Eminem Blocks Republican Presidential Candidates From Using His Song
This isn’t Eminem’s first rodeo with protecting his art and all that entails. In August, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee sent a cease-and-desist letter to presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who used his song as part of his political campaign.
Ramaswamy who cites Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” as his favorite exit song has been warned to stop using Eminem songs. “BMI has received communications from Marshall B. Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign’s use of Eminem’s musical compositions (‘Eminem Works’) and asking BMI to remove all Eminem Works from the Agreement,” the statement read.
It continued, “BMI will consider any performance of the Eminem Works by the Vivek 2024 campaign from this date onwards as a serious breach of the Agreement in respect of which BMI reserves all rights and remedies.”
The 2024 Republican presidential candidate seemed unfazed by Eminem’s legal warning and shaded the rapper in an interview.
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Although he agreed to honor the 51-year-old’s request, Ramaswamy stated, “Eminem, in his rise, has been a man who has really defied the establishment and said things that the establishment didn’t want him to say. I think the fact that my political views may be different from his, I think people change throughout their lives, but I hope for him that one day he will rediscover the defection that made him great and I am determined for that success in his life.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
