You’ve got to protect yours in this life. Will.i.Am doesn’t have a ton going for him these days, but he has apparently trademarked the phrase “I am,” which is a thing you can do. So when Pharrell—who actually has a lot going for him, of late—started a new creative brand called “i am OTHER,” Will.i.Am cried foul, by way of a lawsuit. The BBC says court documents called the two names “confusingly similar.” Pharrell released a statement and, well, makes a strong point:
I AM disappointed that Will, a fellow artist, would file a case against me. I AM someone who likes to talk things out and, in fact, I attempted to do just that on many occasions. I AM surprised in how this is being handled and I AM confident that Will’s trademark claims will ultimately be found to be as meritless and ridiculous as I do.
Update: Will.i.am tweeted he’s not suing Pharrell.
