Hip-hop mogul Diddy is facing a new legal battle from a man who claims he owns the trademark on Act Bad.
The man accuses the rapper of stealing his idea for a song and merchandise.
Charles Kenyatta Jr., who is currently serving time at Collins Correctional Facility in New York, filed a lawsuit against Diddy, his record label Bad Boy Records, and his clothing company Sean John.
The suit was filed at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday, January 22.
According to the court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Kenyatta Jr. says he registered the trademark on “Act Bad” in 2019 and planned to use it for his own music and clothing line.
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He says he contacted Diddy’s lawyer in 2020 and offered to license the trademark to him, but Diddy ignored his proposal and released a song titled Act Bad featuring French Montana and DJ Khaled in November 2020.
Kenyatta Jr. alleges that Diddy also launched a website and an online store selling “Act Bad” merchandise, such as T-shirts, hats, and hoodies, without his permission. He says he sent a cease and desist letter to Diddy in December 2020, but received no response.
Kenyatta Jr. claims that Diddy’s actions constitute trademark infringement, unfair competition, breach of contract, and fraud.
He is seeking an injunction to stop Diddy from using the “Act Bad” mark, as well as unspecified damages and attorney fees.