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Conde Nast said the rappers' promotional
campaign, including to their more than 135 million social media
followers, was built "entirely" on the unauthorized use of Vogue
trademarks and false representations they would appear on
Vogue's next cover, with the "love and support" of longtime
editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
"All of this is false. And none of it has been authorized by
Conde Nast," according to the complaint filed on Monday night in
Manhattan federal court.
Conde Nast said the defendants also created a counterfeit issue
of Vogue that was distributed in major metropolitan areas,
accompanied by posters whose layout mimicked Vogue's own.
It said the result was "unmistakable" confusion among the
public, including media that touted Drake and 21 Savage as
Vogue's "new cover stars."
Larry Stein, a lawyer for the defendants, declined immediate
comment on Tuesday, having yet to review the complaint.
Conde Nast, also known as Advance Magazine Publishers Inc, is
seeking at least $4 million in damages, or triple the
defendants' profits from their album and "counterfeit" magazine.
It also wants punitive damages, and an end to any trademark
infringement.
"Her Loss" has gotten mixed critical reviews since its Nov. 4
launch.
Conde Nast said it had tried repeatedly since Oct. 31 to resolve
its differences with Drake, a Toronto native, and 21 Savage,
from Atlanta.
"Defendants' flippant disregard for Conde Nast's rights have
left it with no choice but to commence this action," it said.
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bill
Berkrot)
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