Neil Young has recently been sued in federal court in Los Angeles for trademark infringement by Chrome Hearts, an L.A.-based fashion company known for its clothing and accessories. Chrome Hearts has been in business for decades and has trademarked its name.
Chrome Hearts alleges that Young’s current band, “Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts,” infringes on its trademark. It contends that the band’s name exploits its brand and creates a likelihood of confusion for consumers which is a primary issue in a trademark infringement case. The current lawsuit alleges that Young never got permission to use the name.
In July 2025 (prior to filing the lawsuit), Chrome Hearts sent Young’s team a cease-and-desist letter which was ignored as the band continued to use the name for its album and international tour. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to stop the use of the name by Young’s band. Young’s production company, The Other Shoe Productions, was also named as a defendant.
Young was born in Canada and is in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame both as a solo artist and as a member of Buffalo Springfield. He is perhaps best known as a member of the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He has toured for many years with his former band Crazy Horse. Some of his most popular songs are “Down by the River,” “Cowgirl in the Sand,” “Cinnamon Girl,” and “Helpless.”
According to the complaint:
“Defendants have copied Chrome Hearts’ federally registered trademarks in an effort to exploit Chrome Hearts’ reputation in the market.”
The Plaintiff contends that Young’s use of the name could easily create confusion and the band’s merchandise is already selling. The band does not actually copy the Plaintiff’s logo which features a cross. But the Plaintiff contends that third party sellers are causing confusion by selling tee shirts online that have photos of Young with graphics similar to the Plaintiff’s trademark.
Chrome Hearts was founded in 1988 and has a long-standing reputation as a company with an independent mindset. Its gothic-inspired fashions have been favored by celebrities and rock stars, including its leather goods and jewelry. The Plaintiff states it is concerned that its connection to Young’s band could damage its brand which took decades to develop by creating the impression that it is collaborating with Young’s band.
Chrome Hearts attorneys argue that marketing by Young’s band shows a connection between the band and the brand. They give an example:
“Because its Neil Young, right? That voice of a generation, the guy who makes you feel stuff, man. And Chrome Hearts? That’s serious style. It’s that edgy, that rebellious, luxury. But then, you think about the two together and it just hits you, and the clash of aesthetics really makes sense.”
The Plaintiff’s attorneys contend that this type of advertising is why consumers may think the band and the brand are connected.
GLENN LITWAK is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Santa Monica, CA. He has represented platinum selling recording artists, GRAMMY-winning music producers, hit songwriters, management and production companies, music publishers and independent record labels. Litwak is also a frequent speaker at music industry conferences around the country, such as South by Southwest and the Billboard Music in Film and TV Conference. Litwak has been selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyer magazine for 2022-2025. Email Litwak at gtllaw59@gmail.com or visit glennlitwak.com.
This article is a very brief overview of the subject matter and does not constitute legal advice.
