Richardine Bartee
According to a recent letter sent to Live Nation regarding its ‘Lovers & Friends’ festival in Las Vegas, the Atlanta-native musical icon Lil Jon has found reason to reach a financial settlement for the event using the name of his hit record featuring Usher and Ludacris or escalate the matter and sue the entertainment juggernaut.
Stemming from motions made back in May of 2022, Lil John’s lawyers say they talked to Live Nation and hoped the company would “do the right thing”.
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“Lil Jon intends to file a Petition to Cancel Live Nation’s registration. In addition, Lil Jon may seek an injunction prohibiting Live Nation from using his Mark in connection with this Festival (and anything else), in addition to money damages. Although we believe that an agreement can be worked out between Live Nation and Lil Jon for the use of the Mark, Lil Jon is fully prepared to commence litigation in the event that no such agreement is forthcoming.”
Regardless, the Festival seems to commence and go on May 26 and has Usher listed as the Festival’s presenter at the top of the flyer and a co-headliner. Lil Jon’s name is not listed as a performer, headliner, or producer of the event.
“We now understand that Live Nation has decided to turn the Festival into an annual event, without Lil Jon, but using Lil Jon’s ‘Lovers & Friends’ name, in an obvious effort to confuse consumers into thinking that Lil Jon is performing at the Festival, or at the very least producing it. Such action clearly constitutes egregious and predatory conduct, and corporate opportunism at its worst. Live Nation knew about the inextricable link between Lil Jon and the name, but nevertheless exploited Lil Jon’s good will and recognition, booking artists who are closely associated with him – after his representatives made his objection clear.”
