Judge Dismisses Counterclaims Against FKA Twigs in Trademark Case

U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff dismissed counterclaims brought by Laura and Linda Good, performing as The Twigs, against the musician known as FKA Twigs in a trademark dispute. The counterclaims for copyright infringement and unfair competition under the Lanham Act and New York law were rejected as untimely.

The band had sought to block FKA Twigs' pending USPTO trademark application and alleged infringement related to musical performances. The court found the claims were brought too late. A separate counterclaim seeking to prevent USPTO approval also failed on procedural grounds, as courts lack authority to directly interfere with trademark examination in that manner.

FKA Twigs had sued seeking a declaration of noninfringement regarding her stage name. The band, which holds earlier rights to "The Twigs," had previously engaged in 2014 litigation that was dropped. The current action stems from cease-and-desist letters issued in 2024.

The core trademark noninfringement claim by FKA Twigs remains pending. The ruling resolves the counterclaims in her favor on timeliness grounds.

Sources: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/fka-twigs-avoids-counterclaims-in-trademark-noninfringement-case https://pitchfork.com/news/fka-twigs-sues-the-twigs-over-trademark-battle/