Mattel is suing Rap Snacks for allegedly utilising one of their trademarks without permission on its products, and as a result, Rap Snacks is now in legal hot water.
In Nicki Minaj's most recent rap snack release, the name of the trademarked flavour, "Barbie-Que Honey Truffle," was taken from the legendary Barbie brand, which she is wearing as a necklace bling. Although she was not named in the complaint, rapper Nicki Minaj is unquestionably at the centre of the legal issues that the two firms are currently facing.
Rap Snacks is being sued by hip-hop company Mattel for trademark infringement. Mattel is the owner of the famous Barbie doll. The high-profile lawsuit, which was filed on August 8, does not mention "Barbie Tingz" musician Nicki Minaj in the complaint.
Barbie is very important to Nicki Minaj; eventually, she even named her devoted followers "Barbie" or "Barbz."
Three counts of state unfair competition violations, one offence of federal unfair competition and false designation of origin, and one count of federal trademark dilution are included in the lawsuits.
As Mattel acknowledged, Minaj's representatives made sure to inquire with Rap Snacks if they have already received approval to use the Barbie trademark on the new items, thus it appears that Nicki was not to blame for the legal uncertainty.
"Rap Snacks took the intentional and strategic decision to introduce a new product line under the well-known Barbie trademark of Mattel. That decision, made without giving Mattel any previous warning, was illegal "Mattel asserts.
In the case, the toy manufacturer also made note of Rap Snacks' intentional use of the Barbie trademark on its packaging and advertising without their permission.
According to Mattel's complaint, Rap Snacks is required to appear in court for allegedly infringing on Mattel's trademark and confusing consumers about their brand.
The brand must "delete its trademark registrations for 'Barbie-Que,'" according to Mattel, and hand over all sales revenue.
Based on the food company's "willful and wrongful activities," the toy brand is requesting punitive and exemplary damages as well as court costs and legal bills related to the lawsuit.