Purple Rain, you will never be an energy drink, says Prince’s estate
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has declared the trademark "uniquely and unmistakeably" Prince's, dashing Bang Energy's branding dreams
Aux News Purple Rain
As he asserts in the classic track “I Would Die 4 U,” Prince isn’t a woman, and he isn’t a man—he’s something the listener could never understand. Whatever that third, more complicated thing is however, it isn’t an energy drink, and Prince’s estate has made sure of that. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has sided with the late pop innovator in a lawsuit, formally rejecting energy drink brand Bang Energy’s ploy to use “Purple Rain” in promotional materials for their drinks and supplements, Billboard reports.
Prince’s life work and assets have been a consistent topic in the courts since his death in 2016—the artist died without leaving a will. In lieu of that, all of the artist’s belongings (including the rights to his musical catalog) are in the process of being divided between his descendants, their personal advisors, and the management company Primary Wave.
“Purple rain’ is not a word in the English language,” attorneys for the Prince Estate write in their filing. “Prince chose the phrase and made it famous through a Grammy-winning album, a major motion picture, a song performed around the world, and the iconic image of the late artist in the costume, movie, and tour. For the great majority of consumers, the only significance the term ‘Purple Rain’ has is to identify Prince and the image he made famous.”
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office strongly agreed, with one judge ruling: “Consumers encountering applicant’s mark, when used in connection with applicant’s goods, will presume a connection between ‘Purple Rain’ and Prince.”
Although their hopes for glam-rock branding greatness may be dashed, Bang Energy released a statement graciously accepting the decision but leaving the door open. “We greatly respect Prince and his estate and will not ‘rain’ on their parade,” the statement reads. “Maybe we can negotiate a deal in the future that is mutually beneficial to both parties.” Prince’s estate’s feeling seems closer to “maybe when pigs fly”—or, more aptly, when doves cry.
14 Comments
Talk with the Bofinger people — maybe “Chubby Rain” would be available to license.
That guitar does not look comfortable to hold or play.
Unless Prince is the one playing it.
A man in his condition should be getting plenty of rest!
For mere mortals such as us, yeah. As is usual though, Prince made it look easy.
““Purple rain’ is not a word in the English language,” attorneys for the Prince Estate write in their filing.”
In fact, ‘purple rain’ is not a word at all.
Ha! Jokes on you, fools! You’re too late!
Also what Grimace shouts out during his money shot.
“Double Arches!” – Ronald McDonald, on the art of lovemaking
more complicated thing is however —> more complicated thing is, howeverPrince’s life work —> Prince’s life’s worksince his death in 2016—the artist died —> since his death in 2016; the artist diedIn lieu of that —> not what “in lieu” means“Purple rain’ is not a word in the English language,” —> “‘Purple rain’ is not a word in the English language,”glam-rock —> not Prince’s genre
“glam-rock —> not Prince’s genre”Thank you! Prince was glamorous, but he was funk, soul, R&B and yes, rock, all at the same time. Calling his music simply “glam rock”, like he and Poison were doing the same thing in the 80’s, is just wrong.
“OK, Plan B: We call our drink ‘Chocolate Rain!’ Get Tay Zonday on the phone.”
And yet there’s a line of wines bearing that name: https://purplerainwine.com/
Not the first song to mention purple rain.