MF DOOM’s Estate Sues Temu for Alleged Merch Fakes

The estate of late rapper MF DOOM – real name Daniel Dumile – is suing online retailer Temu, alleging it is selling counterfeit versions of MF DOOM merch, as well as using the rapper’s name and likeness in violation of US and California laws.

The suit:

• Gas Drawls, the company that owns the rights to Doom’s music library and IP, filed the lawsuit with the US District Court for the Central District of California.

• It claims Temu is liable for widespread trademark infringement by sellers on the platform, and that Temu is profiting from the sales of merchandise rather than policing and safeguarding against infringement.

• It also alleges unfair competition and false endorsement.

• As per Music Business Worldwide, Gas Drawls wants a permanent injunction preventing Temu from selling MF DOOM merch, and a “court order requiring the retailer to immediately recall and remove all advertising of those products.”

• It also seeks “disgorgement of proceeds from the sale of those products,” and punitive damages.

MF DOOM:

• Daniel Dumile died in 2020 from an adverse reaction to blood pressure medicine.

• The acclaimed rapper was 49.

• He formed Gas Drawls in 2011 with his wife and business partner, Jasmine Dumile Thompson, as a direct marketplace for merch and Dimule’s Metalface Records LLC.