Run-DMC have left a major imprint on hip-hop history, and the surviving members seem intent on keeping their legacy in tact — even if it means taking on some of America's largest retailers.
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels is suing Wal-Mart, Amazon, Jet and a number of other outlets for selling Run-DMC-branded merchandise without the group's permission. He filed the $50 million USD lawsuit yesterday (December 29) in the Southern District of New York.
According to the Associated Press, his complaint argues that the retailers are "advertising, selling, manufacturing, promoting and distributing multiple products" — including glasses, hats, T-shirts, patches, wallets and other items — featuring the trademarked Run-DMC name.
In addition to pointing out that the defendants have improperly profited, McDaniels goes on to claim that the unauthorized merchandise has "diluted and harmed" the Run-DMC brand.
McDaniels also stated that group's brand has generated more than $100 million in revenue since the band was formed by himself, Joseph "Run" Simmons and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell back in 1981.
The band formally disbanded after Mizell was fatally shot in 2002. Run-DMC were later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels is suing Wal-Mart, Amazon, Jet and a number of other outlets for selling Run-DMC-branded merchandise without the group's permission. He filed the $50 million USD lawsuit yesterday (December 29) in the Southern District of New York.
According to the Associated Press, his complaint argues that the retailers are "advertising, selling, manufacturing, promoting and distributing multiple products" — including glasses, hats, T-shirts, patches, wallets and other items — featuring the trademarked Run-DMC name.
In addition to pointing out that the defendants have improperly profited, McDaniels goes on to claim that the unauthorized merchandise has "diluted and harmed" the Run-DMC brand.
McDaniels also stated that group's brand has generated more than $100 million in revenue since the band was formed by himself, Joseph "Run" Simmons and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell back in 1981.
The band formally disbanded after Mizell was fatally shot in 2002. Run-DMC were later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.