Source: Julia Beverly/Getty/OutKast
An EDM duo called ATLiens are legitimately feeling the wrath of OutKast for very obvious reasons.
Bulletin board exhibitions that OutKast sued the ATLiens, claiming their name is a blatant infringement of the iconic rap duo's 1996 album of the same name.
Two lawyers representing Big Boi and André 3000 argued on Aug. 20 that the EDM duo's use of the name ATLiens, a term used by Atlanta residents, has caused confusion.
“The word ATLiens was coined by OutKast,” the lawsuit states Bulletin board. “Before OutKast created it, it wasn't used in the cultural lexicon and it didn't exist. Defendant's use of the ATLiens mark is likely to confuse, mislead or deceive the public.”
The site notes that the EDM duo ATLiens began using its name in 2012. According to the lawsuit, Big Boi and Andre 3000 were only recently notified.
The rap group's lawyers also claim that both groups belong to “related musical genres” and that fans could confuse them with Big Boi and André 3000 because of the costumes they wear on stage.
“The duo consisting of the Defendant plays with masks, thereby concealing its identity, so that consumers mistakenly believe that the members of the Defendant are one and the same – or at least somehow connected to the plaintiff,” the lawyers said by OutKast.
ATLiens leave the Iconic Rap Duo and their lawyers to the reading
“Ms. Jackson's creators also claim they tried to “negotiate an amicable resolution of the dispute,” but the EDM group continues to use the name and reportedly made a poster similar to the one used by Outkast.
“OutKast Management has already received communications from third parties questioning whether OutKast was associated with the defendant's upcoming show,” OutKast's attorneys said.
ATLiens has not responded to the lawsuit, but it would be in its best interest to do so.
