Issue No. 043 · August 19, 2026
TrademarkFiledMusic
C+C Music Factory Name Dispute Moves to Federal Court
C+C Music Factory co-founder Robert Clivilles sued performer Freedom Williams and Big Mac Entertainment over ownership and use of the group's name, seeking cancellation of Williams' registration and up to $30 million in damages.
Key points
- The August 14 complaint in the Eastern District of New York includes claims for trademark infringement, fraud, unfair competition, defamation, and breach of contract.
- Clivilles alleges that he and the late David Cole created C+C Music Factory and that Williams appeared as a featured performer rather than a group owner.
- The complaint claims Williams has performed under the name, obtained registrations, and released new recordings without authorization.
- Clivilles seeks cancellation of Williams' trademark registration along with compensatory and punitive damages.
Why it matters
Legacy music brands can carry value long after their original lineup changes. The case turns on who controlled the group identity, how featured performers were presented, and whether later registrations accurately reflected ownership.