Concert promoter AEG Live has filed a trademark infringement claim against hundreds of John and Jane Does in order to preempt any bootlegging at the Mile High Music Festival in Denver, Colorado.
According to Reuters, AEG’s complaint states, “only the plaintiff has the right to sell merchandise bearing the Festival Trademarks at and near the Festival.”
AEG is requesting that a federal court in Colorado order U.S. Marshal, local and state police, off-duty officers, and AEG agents to seize and impound bootlegged merchandise. Among the artists at the festival are Nas, Damian Marley, Atmosphere and Cypress Hill. Non-Hip Hop acts include Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews and Weezer.
AEG Live appears to have gotten its cue from a similar lawsuit filed earlier in the summer by Universal Music Group’s merchandising division, Bravado International Group, to prevent bootlegging during Lady Gaga concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
So basically, what they do is sue a bunch of non-existing people, and if people DO in fact sell bootlegs on the concert they will attach those peoples names to the suits.
In other words it’s kinda a win-win situation for them. They sue to scare off people, so if people DO sell bootlegs they will 100% get sued, and if they DON’T sell bootleg then the company does not lose revenue to pirates. Win/win situation.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAwHGTMhH6c
Prepare to have your MIND BLOWN!