It appears that the battle between former drug dealer Freeway Ricky Ross and rapper Rick Ross over the name “Rick Ross” may have finally come to a close. AllHipHop.com reports that the lawsuit against Rick Ross was dismissed earlier this week on Monday, November 1.
According to a court document the case was dismissed because the plaintiff, Freeway Ricky Ross, was unable to prove that his name was an actual trademark.
“In support of his trademark claims, Plaintiff alleges that his name was well known in the drug trade and by law enforcement segments of the urban crime, rap and black comity because he did business as Rick Ross, until he was arrested, prosecuted and incarcerated in federal prison,” read a court document obtained by AllHipHop.com. “Because this illegal activity cannot be used to establish secondary meaning, such allegations do not provide support for Plaintiff having a valid trademark for his name.”
As part of his lawsuit, which was filed May of this year, Freeway Ricky Ross sought $10 million from Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Def Jam, and Universal Music Group.
AD LOADING...
Neither Freeway Ricky Ross nor Rick Ross has responded to news of the dismissal of the case.
