Matt Biolos, a surfboard shaper from San Clemente, first inscribed the term "Mayhem" on his school binder during high school, a moniker that has since evolved into a significant brand over the past four decades. His surprise was palpable when he discovered that pop icon Lady Gaga had adopted the same name for her recent album and tour, utilizing a strikingly similar logo. In response, Biolos and his business partner, Mike Reola, filed a lawsuit on March 25, asserting that Gaga's use of the Mayhem branding constitutes trademark infringement, as it threatens to undermine the identity of their counter-culture brand by associating it with mainstream commercialism. The lawsuit details that Gaga, whose legal name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, unveiled her Mayhem album and tour on March 7, subsequently launching merchandise featuring the Mayhem logo, which closely mirrors that of Biolos's brand. Having trademarked the Mayhem logo in 2015, Biolos contends that Gaga's merchandise dilutes the essence of his brand, which has been a staple in surf, skate, and snow culture for nearly 40 years. Despite attempts to resolve the issue amicably, Biolos claims that his outreach to Gaga's team was met with derision, prompting him to pursue legal action to protect his trademark. While Gaga's attorney dismissed the lawsuit as opportunistic, Biolos emphasized that the core of the issue lies not in the album's title but in the commercial use of the Mayhem logo on apparel, which he argues misrepresents the ethos of his brand. He expressed concern that the widespread sale of Gaga's merchandise could significantly alter public perception of Mayhem, which is deeply rooted in the surfing community. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in California, seeks to halt Gaga's use of the Mayhem branding, underscoring the potential ramifications for various licensees associated with Biolos's brand.
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Read the full article on the original webpage: https://www.ocregister.com/2025/03/28/surfboard-shaper-matt-biolos-sues-lady-gaga-over-use-of-mayhem-for-new-tour-apparel/
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