by Neil Young is facing legal action from luxury fashion brand Chrome Hearts LLC over his new band’s name “Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts” (NYTCH). Billboard reported this development.
The lawsuit centers on trademark infringement claims related to Young’s band merchandise and potential consumer confusion.
“[Young and his bandmates are infringing upon the brand’s trademark by selling ‘Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts’ (NYTCH) merchandise that] incorporates the exact CHROME HEARTS® word mark and is thus likely to cause confusion with Chrome Hearts’ various Chrome Hearts Marks,” Chrome Hearts LLC stated in their legal filing.
The fashion company further detailed evidence of marketplace confusion in their complaint.
“The likelihood of confusion is not merely hypothetical,” they continued. “Some clothing and apparel vendors have apparently already mistakenly assumed that there is a connection between NYTCH and Chrome Hearts, and are actively promoting that purported connection. For example, some vendors have started marketing t-shirts that prominently display Mr. Young’s name along with Chrome Hearts’s iconic stylization of the CHROME HEARTS® mark.”
This legal dispute involves one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the fashion industry. The trademark conflict is particularly significant for both parties involved.
Wikipedia documented that Chrome Hearts was founded in 1988 in Los Angeles by Richard Stark, John Bowman, and Leonard Kamhout as a luxury brand producing leather goods, jewelry, and apparel with a distinctive Gothic and rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic. The brand quickly established itself in the entertainment industry. It became associated with major rock stars and celebrities.
Chrome World noted that the brand became closely linked with rock stars like Cher, Lenny Kravitz, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N’ Roses. It carved out a unique niche that blended punk ethos with artisanal craftsmanship. This connection to the music world makes the current dispute with Neil Young particularly noteworthy, as both parties operate within overlapping cultural spheres.
The brand’s commitment to quality and independence is evident in its business model. Save The Chrome revealed that Richard Stark and his wife Laurie Lynn Stark currently co-own and operate the brand. The company maintains in-house production in the USA as a statement of independence and commitment to quality.
Chrome Hearts has built its reputation on exclusivity and craftsmanship. GOAT highlighted that the brand’s distinctive Gothic aesthetic and rock ‘n’ roll connections have made it a coveted name in luxury fashion circles.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges musicians face when choosing band names that may conflict with existing trademarks in other industries. This is particularly true when dealing with well-established brands that have strong cultural identities and extensive trademark protections.
