Commodores Guitarist Scores Win in EU Trademark Battle

The EU’s Intellectual Property Office erred in denying a wordmark for the band name “The Commodores,” the EU General Court ruled Dec. 6.

This ruling is the latest development in a long-running feud over the name of the R&B and funk group, famous for hits like “Brick House” and “Easy.”

One of the band’s founding members, guitarist Thomas McClary, unsuccessfully filed for registration of an EU trade mark with the EUIPO. McClary’s move was opposed by Commodore Entertainment Corp., representing members William King and Walter Orange, who still perform as the Commodores.

The court annulled the IP office’s decision. It ...