US rapper Eminem has taken legal action against an Australian beachwear company called Swim Shady, saying its name is too similar to his trademarked rap pseudonym Slim Shady. <\/p>\n
In September, Eminem \u2013 whose real name is Marshall B Mathers III \u2013 filed a petition to the US Patent and Trademark Office, calling for them to cancel a trademark that was granted to the company. US law requires the company to respond to the petition by next week.<\/a><\/p>\n The rapper’s lawyers accused the Sydney brand of creating a “false association” with Eminem.<\/p>\n The 53-year-old rapper shot into fame in 2000 with the release of his hit single The Real Slim Shady, which earned him a grammy for best rap solo performance. <\/p>\n The Sydney-based company’s name was registered in September 2023, according to Australia’s business regulator, originally launching under the name Slim Shade. <\/p>\n The brand sells portable beach umbrellas, swim bags and other beach accessories. <\/p>\n Earlier this year, the brand filed a trademark in the US, which was granted. Shortly afterwards, Eminem’s team filed a petition to cancel the trademark. <\/p>\n Court documents show Eminem trademarked the name Slim Shady in 1999 with the release of the eponymous album. <\/p>\n His lawyers said the name has become “distinctive and famous” and exclusively associated with his rap career. <\/p>\n Sydney intellectual property legal specialist firm Meyer West IP is listed as Swim Shady’s legal representative. The BBC has contacted Swim Shady for comment. <\/p>\n