One day, scientists may hail the landmark Jellyroll vs. Jelly Roll case as a turning point in the music industry — but more likely, in 2024, it will be a news story that generates much wordplay and confusion.
The Pennsylvania-based band Jellyroll has performed at weddings and charity events in the Keystone State since 1980 and has trademarked their name since 2010. The band is now suing the country star jellyroll to prevent him from appearing under the same name.
Kurt L Titchenell, a member of Jellyroll, is “seeking a preliminary injunction” against defendant Jason DeFord (aka Jelly Roll) for service mark infringement, according to court documents obtained by Court Watch. Titchenell’s band has carried the trademark for nearly 15 years and last renewed the trademark in 2019.
The lawsuit alleges that by using the name, Jelly Roll impaired the band’s ability to get its name out there, causing “confusion in the marketplace.”
“Prior to Defendant’s recent notoriety, a search for the name Jellyroll on most search engines, particularly Google, yielded references to Plaintiff,” the lawsuit states. “Such a Google search now produces multiple references to the defendant, perhaps as many as 18 to 20 references, before even a reference to the plaintiff’s entertainment dance band, known as Jellyroll®, can be found.”
jellyroll
John Shearer/Getty Images for Jelly RollJelly Roll said his mother gave him that nickname as a child, long before his career took off. He only began using the name as an artist around 2010, when Jellyroll first received the trademark.
The band Jellyroll’s biggest gig took place in 2007 President George W. BushHis daughters saw them play and received an invitation to perform at the White House. Former First Lady Laura Bush later asked the band to play at their 44th high school reunion.
Whether it’s high school sweethearts or a second chance at love, these country couples are in it for the long haul. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have a love story for the ages. The couple married in 1996 and had daughters Gracie, Maggie and Audrey in 1997, 1998 and 2001. Despite […]
The lawsuit comes after Titchenell’s lawyers unsuccessfully sent Jelly Roll a cease-and-desist letter in February. After “several conversations,” Jelly Roll’s attorneys, according to the lawsuit, “inquired whether the defendant was really in competition with the plaintiff.”
Jelly Roll subsequently announced a Northeast tour that included a stop in Pennsylvania. To market the tour, he used his “professionally adopted and infringing name, Jelly Roll,” according to the lawsuit.
At the same time, the lawsuit states that the band Jellyroll has “expanded significantly.” [its] Market reach in all states in the northeastern United States from Connecticut to Virginia. [Its] Market penetration continues to increase.”
Jelly Roll has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. Us weekly I asked for a comment.