In a headline-making legal clash, beloved musician Jelly Roll, aka Jason DeFord, finds himself in hot water as he faces a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by none other than Kurt L. Titchenell, widely known as Jellyroll®.
The lawsuit, filed on April 8, 2024, alleges that DeFord has been using the name “Jelly Roll” without permission, sparking a heated battle over brand rights.
Titchenell, whose Jellyroll® persona has been captivating audiences since 1980, claims to have registered the trademark in 2010 and offering entertainment services in the Northeastern United States.
Cease-and-desist letter
But DeFord’s emergence as Jelly Roll around 2010 has raised eyebrows and legal concerns, with Titchenell accusing him of appropriating the trademark without authorization. Despite Titchenell’s attempts to halt DeFord’s usage through a cease-and-desist letter, the lawsuit alleges that DeFord continued to promote his music under the disputed name.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations of DeFord’s promotion of a nationwide tour and merchandise sales under the name “Jelly Roll,” leading to confusion among fans and potential damage to Titchenell’s established brand.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, aiming to halt DeFord’s use of the “Jelly Roll.”
Jelly Roll has not publicly commented.
