JAY-Z Has Lack of Diversity Claim Honored in Trademark Infringement Case

JAY-Z received a victory in his fight for diversity in the American Arbitration Association in light of his trademark infringement case with Iconix Brand Group over use of the “Roc Nation” logo. On Sunday, JAY’s lawyer Alex Spiro decided to end the temporary restraining order granted last month, and proceed with arbitration after getting a commitment from the AAA to honor the artist’s request.

“While the information AAA provided has confirmed that AAA lacks an appreciable number of minority (and particularly, African-American) arbitrators, AAA has indicated an openness both to an arbitrator selection process in this Arbitration that will allow for meaningful consideration of African-American arbitrators and to broader remedial measures intended to improve the diversity of the arbitrator roster for future arbitrations,” Spiro wrote. 

Iconix Brand Group filed the lawsuit against JAY-Z last year after the logo was used on Major League Baseball apparel. The company alleges that they bought it for $204 million and own full control of its use. In November, JAY raised his concerns over the list provided to him, which included three neutrals identified as African-American. However, one of them presented a conflict of interest. 

Both parties were due in court on Tuesday to determine if the temporary restraining order needed to be extended. JAY’S decision to withdraw his motion to stay has already been accepted by a judge. A status conference in the case is set for March 2019, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Iconix Brand Group was demanding $10 million in damages.