As reported by Billboard, the iconic Hip-Hop duo OutKast has taken legal action against an electronic dance music duo known as ATLiens, alleging trademark infringement. Filed in a Georgia federal court on August 20th, the lawsuit asserts that ATLiens, sharing its name with one of OutKast's best-known songs, is causing confusion among music fans.
According to lawyers representing Big Boi (Antwan Patton) and André 3000 (André Benjamin), the name ATLiens, derived from a combination of "aliens" and their hometown of Atlanta, is a unique linguistic creation by OutKast.
“The word ATLiens was invented by OutKast. Before OutKast created it, it was not used in the cultural lexicon and did not exist,” the group wrote.
They argue that the rival group's use of the name is likely to “mislead the public” and create a mistaken association with the iconic Hip-Hop duo.
OutKast's second studio album, ATLiens, released in 1996, features a title track that achieved significant commercial success, spending 33 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
The lawsuit emphasizes that the song is one of OutKast's most well-known and well-regarded works and is regularly performed at their live shows.
The legal action alleges that the rival ATLiens began using the name in 2012 and later registered it as a trademark. OutKast claims that they were unaware of the other group until recently and that the names are being used for similar purposes – both representing musical duos from Atlanta performing in related genres.
OutKast's legal representation contends that the EDM duo's use of masks during performances could lead fans to mistakenly believe that they are Big Boi and André 3000. Despite attempts by OutKast to amicably resolve the dispute, the rival group allegedly continued to use the name in ways that caused further confusion, including promotional materials for upcoming shows.
“Management for OutKast has already received communications from third-parties querying whether OutKast was affiliated with defendant’s upcoming show,” the group’s lawyers write.
The case was initiated by High Schoolers LLC, a holding company owned by Big Boi and André 3000, which oversees OutKast's trademarks. At the time of reporting, representatives for ATLiens had not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
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