Dr. Dre and Beats Electronics Sues Yamaha For Copying Headphone Design
Hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre is suing Yamaha over headphones that are similar to his Beats By Dre design.
According to a report by AllHipHop, lawyers representing Beats Electronics filed against Yamaha for marketing a line of “PRO” headlines that copies Dre’s famous design. The suit says it infringes on their design patents and that Yamaha’s headphones are similar in its look and feel.
"Consumers appreciated the design, as well as the sound quality, of Beats and began wearing the Beats headphones around their necks as a fashion accessory even when not listening to music,” the suit reads. “In fact, the design of the Beats headphones has been a significant driver of the commercial success of the products.”
To add more complications, Yamaha is running advertisements that follow the same design guidelines as the Beats name. The company is profiting off the success of the Beats brand, as well as Dre’s celebrity in the hip-hop world.
Dre is suing for at least $75,000 in damages, claiming Trade Dress Infringement, Unfair Competition and Patent Infringement.
[via AllHipHop]