Lady Gaga is facing a $100 million lawsuit from a California surf company, Lost International. The lawsuit, filed in California district court, accuses the singer of using a logo “substantially similar, if not nearly identical,” to the company’s trademarked design for her new album merchandise.
The case stems from the launch of Gaga’s sixth studio album, Mayhem, which was released on March 7, accompanied by a range of merchandise featuring the album’s branding. According to court documents, Lost International claims that Lady Gaga and her team used the “Mayhem” name and logo without permission, asserting that the design was stolen from a logo the company has owned since the late 1980s.
Lost International, founded in 1985, has used the contested logo on its apparel since 1988. The company argues that Gaga’s use of a logo strikingly similar to theirs on her Mayhem album and related merchandise violates their trademark and dilutes the brand’s identity. In its lawsuit, Lost contends that Gaga’s actions are leading to confusion in the marketplace and could mislead the public into thinking her products are associated with or authorized by the surf brand.
The company claims that Gaga’s use of the logo is causing “irreparable harm” by diverting revenue from their own products, weakening their brand, and diminishing their ability to control the image and quality of their goods. Furthermore, the lawsuit asserts that Gaga’s merchandise is damaging to Lost’s valuable “goodwill” and reputation, as they have no control over the quality of the products bearing a logo so similar to their own.
Lady Gaga’s legal team, however, is pushing back against the claims. Gaga’s attorney Orin Snyder condemned the lawsuit as “opportunistic” and “meritless.” Snyder highlighted Gaga’s success with Mayhem, which soared to No. 1 on the charts, adding that this “baseless lawsuit” is nothing more than an attempt to capitalize on Gaga’s global success. “It’s disappointing—but hardly surprising—that someone is now attempting to capitalize on her success with a baseless lawsuit over the name MAYHEM,” Snyder said. “Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM soared to No. 1 and shattered records, a testament to her unmatched talent and global impact.” Snyder further emphasized that the surf company’s allegations were without merit, characterizing them as an abuse of the legal system in an effort to exploit Lady Gaga’s fame.
Lost International is seeking a substantial amount in damages. The lawsuit demands $100 million in compensation for the alleged infringement, as well as attorneys’ fees. The company also wants Lady Gaga to be enjoined from further using the “Mayhem” name and logo in her merchandise, arguing that her continued use of the design is damaging to their brand and misleading to the public.
For Lady Gaga, this lawsuit could add a layer of complexity to her merchandising and branding strategy. While her legal team is confident in their defense, the case could ultimately influence how other entertainers approach trademark issues in their marketing and merchandise.