Atlanta’s OutKast Files Lawsuit over Trademark Name “ATLiens”
ATLANTA – The iconic rap group OutKast has taken legal action against an Atlanta-based electronic dance music duo over the rights to the name “ATLiens.” High Schoolers LLC, the trademark holding company established by OutKast’s members, Antwan Patton, better known as Big Boi, and Andre Benjamin, who goes by Andre 3000, filed the lawsuit on August 20 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
OutKast claims that the dance group, also named ATLiens, has been using the name without proper authorization for several years. In documents obtained from the court records, the rap duo states that they created the term “ATLiens” nearly 30 years ago for their sophomore album of the same name. “The word ATLiens was invented by OutKast. Before OutKast created it, it was not used in the cultural lexicon and did not exist,” reads the lawsuit.
The rap group asserts that this new electronic dance music (EDM) duo chose the name to capitalize on the popularity and goodwill that OutKast established with their album, song, and overall brand connected to the term “ATLiens.” According to the lawsuit, the dance group even filed a trademark for the name in 2020 to cover music compositions, production, entertainment services, and other business activities, which OutKast argues conflicts with their long-established common law rights.
Arguments Over Misleading Identifications
Adding to the concerns, OutKast pointed out that the EDM duo performs while wearing masks. This element, they argue, could potentially mislead fans and consumers to think that the EDM duo is connected to or even includes the original members of OutKast. The lawsuit describes these actions as problematic because they lead consumers to believe there is some direct association between the defendants and the plaintiffs.
OutKast has attempted to resolve the dispute through negotiations. Representatives for Big Boi and Andre 3000 have reportedly reached out to the EDM group attempting to come to an amicable agreement. However, it appears these efforts have been unsuccessful. The dance group has not only continued to use the name “ATLiens” but has also promoted an upcoming show in Atlanta with a poster design that OutKast claims mimics advertisements from their own 20th-anniversary show.
OutKast’s Demands
The lawsuit seeks several remedies. OutKast is requesting a jury trial to address the issue. They want the electronic dance music group to stop using the name “ATLiens” immediately. Additionally, they are asking for the dance group’s trademark to be dissolved, and for their own legal fees to be covered by the defendants.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing challenges artists face in protecting their intellectual property and brand identity in the entertainment industry. OutKast’s case is especially poignant given their long-standing influence in the music world and their foundational role in bringing the term “ATLiens” into popular culture.
Fans, industry observers, and legal experts will be closely monitoring this case as it progresses through the court system. The final outcome could set an important precedent for trademark disputes and brand protection in the entertainment industry.
Both sides have yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit, but we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
