*Pharrell Williams and producer Chad Hugo, the dynamic duo behind The Neptunes, are now entangled in a legal tussle over the group’s moniker. Hugo accuses Williams of attempting to seize sole control over the trademarks, branding it as “fraudulent.”
Before Williams skyrocketed as a solo sensation, The Neptunes churned out a cascade of chart-toppers in the early 2000s. Hits like Nelly’s “Hot in Herre,” Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” and Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” cemented their legendary status. Childhood pals, they even earned their place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.
However, in a recent legal maneuver, Hugo’s legal team alleged that Pharrell and his company disregarded their longstanding agreement. The pact, they claim, entailed an equal split of all assets. Kenneth D. Freundlich, Hugo’s attorney, minced no words, accusing Pharrell of fraudulent behavior and bad faith in attempting to monopolize The Neptunes trademarks.
“Throughout their over thirty-year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets,” wrote Hugo’s attorney Kenneth D. Freundlich. “By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.”
Responding to the allegations, Pharrell’s representative clarified to Billboard that their intent was not malicious. They insisted that multiple attempts were made to extend co-ownership and administrative rights to Hugo. They aimed to safeguard against third-party acquisitions and ensure equitable distribution between Pharrell and Chad.
Freundlich, however, rebuffed Pharrell’s explanation, labeling it a mere distortion of facts. He contended that if Pharrell genuinely intended to include Chad in the filings, the registration should have been in joint names or partnerships, not solely under Pharrell’s banner. Freundlich portrayed Pharrell’s actions as a calculated land grab amid unresolved disputes.
The bone of contention revolves around three trademark applications filed in 2022 by PW IP Holdings LLC, Pharrell’s company. These applications cover streaming music, music videos, and live performances under The Neptunes name. Hugo’s legal team asserted that Pharrell knowingly excluded Chad from these filings, contrary to their agreement.
Despite purported assurances from Pharrell’s legal camp acknowledging Hugo’s equal ownership, the reality, according to Hugo’s attorneys, paints a different picture. Allegations hint at Pharrell’s company imposing stringent terms that hinder Hugo’s control and rightful compensation, although specifics remain undisclosed.
While last week’s filings focused solely on recent trademark applications, Hugo’s case could potentially widen its scope. Pharrell’s company has already secured trademark registrations for musical sound recordings under The Neptunes name, with additional applications pending for clothing and merchandise. Hugo’s legal team signaled their intent to challenge these registrations in future actions, aiming to render them null and void.
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