Pink Sues Pharrell Williams Over ‘P.Inc’ Trademark

Pink has filed a lawsuit against Pharrell Williams to prevent him from getting a trademark for the term “P.Inc.”

On Thursday, the American singer’s lawyers filed the legal paperwork against Pharrell Williams, claiming he should be stopped from registering a trademark for his P.Inc. business since it’s too similar to, “Pink.” The paperwork submitted by her lawyers on behalf of her business Lefty Paw Print, LLC, highlights that 44-year-old Pink, originally known as Alecia Moore, gained a trademark for the term “PINK” in 1999 and officially registered it two years later.

The filing claims, “[Williams’] P.INC Mark is similar to the PINK Marks in sight, sound, meaning and commercial impression.” It adds, “[Williams] and [Pink’s] goods and services are identical and/or closely related. … [Williams] is likely to market and promote its goods through the same channels of trade and to the same consumers as [Pink].”

Pink’s legal representatives claim that a registered trademark for “P.Inc” could harm Pink’s business. They’re urging the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to object to Williams’ registration and to provide “any and all further relief” if needed.

On Thursday, the Notice of Opposition was filed against 51-year-old Williams by Pink via her company, Lefty Paw Print. Williams is represented by his company, PW IP Holdings.

The documents submitted with the Notice of Opposition reveal that Lefty Paw Print owns several trademarks for Pink. The company highlighted Pink’s significant dedication of time, resources, and financial investment in promoting products and services under these trademarks.

Lefty Paw Print’s statement said that Williams submitted a trademark application for “P.Inc” in May 2023. They added that Williams is “likely to market and promote its goods through the same channels of trade and to the same consumers” as Pink.

The Notice of Opposition said that the similarities between Pink — which is also stylized “P!nk” — and “P.Inc” leave consumers confused. The statement said, “Such registration would be a source of damage and injury to Opposer.”

This isn’t the only trademark issue Williams is currently encountering.

According to Variety, Chad Hugo, who has collaborated with Williams for many years, alleges Williams is seeking sole control of The Neptunes’ trademarks.

Hugo’s legal team claimed that Williams’ trademark application goes against an agreement between him and Hugo to share everything equally.

In a lawsuit against Williams, Hugo’s attorney wrote, “Throughout their over thirty year history, [Hugo] and Williams agreed to, and in fact, have divided all assets. By ignoring and excluding [Hugo] from any and all applications filed by applicant for the mark ‘The Neptunes,’ applicant has committed fraud in securing the trademarks and acted in bad faith.”