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will.i.am is reportedly countersuing Pharrell Williams in a brewing legal battle over a trademark.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman is taking legal action against the N.E.R.D musician stemming from a conflict about their company names, according to TMZ.
Will reportedly took action after Pharrell created a YouTube channel called I AM OTHER, claiming the title is too similar to his own moniker and would be confusing for fans considering the pair produce similar music and are on the same record label.
Legal documents obtained by TMZ also accuse Pharrell of having a habit of swiping other people’s business ideas, citing the name of the music producer’s record label Star Trak Entertainment, which resembles the name of the sci-fi series.
4music
The Voice UK judge added that Pharrell is being sued by Marvin Gaye's family for allegedly lifting from the late singer’s 1977 funk song Got to Give It Up.
The tune is thought to have been a heavy influence on his summer hit with Robin Thicke, Blurred Lines.
Will.i.am also reportedly claims Pharrell tried to register the Pink Slime trademark, which could have been taken from Mattel-owned goop Slime.
Pharrell initially sent will.i.am a cease and desist letter in July, according to the outlet.
His lawsuit included the statement: "In contrast, the I Am Other mark means 'I am something else,' leaving what that 'else' is to the imagination of the consumer. It certainly does not mean 'I am Will.'"
Pharrell is currently asking a judge for written permission to continue using the title.
