Def Jam rapper Rick Ross has achieved a huge legal victory after ex-drug kingpin Freeway Ricky Ross filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against him last month.
Writing via Twitter, Ross said the suit was tossed out and his Teflon Don album would be released on schedule.
“just got update on lawsuit filed against me….injuction to stop release of my album has been denied!!aka tossed out!!..teflon don july20…,” Ross wrote Friday (July 2). (Rick Ross’ Twitter)
Recently, Ross said he was not worried about the lawsuit.
“Naw…we just gonna let the people deal with that,” Ross said referring to attorneys. “It’s like owning a restaurant, you’re gonna have a few slip and falls. You get lawsuits, you deal with them, and get them out your way…sometimes you lose.” (All Hip Hop)
Freeway was also trying to block the release of Ross’ upcoming Teflon Don album.
Ross has officially filed the suit in federal court in California to the tune of $10 million. He claims the Boss stole his name and identity and wants to stop the sale of his album. Along with Ross, the ex-con also names Jay-Z, Def Jam, Universal Music Group and Vivendi in the suit. Ricky reportedly asserts trademark and his rights of publicity in seeking an injunction that would prevent the rapper from using the “Rick Ross” name or releasing any albums using it. He also says that the U.S. Patent and Trademark officehas refused to let the rapper trademark the name. (XXL Mag)
Freeway’s nephew/rapper, Slim da Mobster, recently addressed Ross’ usage of the name.
“So for me, it just be funny when I hear a n*gga use somebody that I actually know’s name and it comes to [known] for one, [Rick Ross] was a cop or a C.O., police, worker, whatever. Now you’re confusing people with this picture you painted. That’s like you painting a picture and me takin’ credit for it. That’s like your picture with my signature at the bottom of it. That ain’t cool. When you’ve sat in prison for over 20 years for this sh*t, I don’t want anybody using my name unless you’re along those lines or you’re of that caliber.” (Hip Hop DX)
