London company allowed to keep name after US company drops lawsuit
Pete Adams and Daniel O’Connell, owners of family-run Brixton Street Wear, say they were first contacted by Californian brand Brixton LLC around four years ago.
The US firm asked Brixton Street Wear to change its name – claiming it was too similar to theirs.
Mr Adams and Mr O’Connell, from south London, batted away the initial request – but last year received a revoke legal letter again asking them to stop using the name Brixton.
The pair were asked to change their business name by an American company. (Image: SWNS)
Now however, the dispute has been “resolved amicably”, the brothers say – meaning they can keep their name and continue trading.
Mr Adams, 46, said: “It’s a happy ending. We can relax now. It was a stressful experience. At the time, you don’t realise that you’re mainly running on adrenaline.
“But it’s good to be smiling.”
When the lawsuit was first filed, Mr Adams described it as frustrating – as Brixton LLC, based on the sunny West Coast, ostensibly has no affiliations with Brixton.
He said previously: “There’s lots of other apparel with Brixton on it and we don’t oppose them. You shouldn’t be allowed to trademark a geographical location.
The company can now keep its name. (Image: SWNS)
“Their thing was, ‘We will allow you to keep trading if you get rid of your trademark’. So we’d have to change our name.
“We’re Brixton born and bred. The word Brixton belongs to the people.”
He and his brother Mr O’Connell, 47, were also concerned that the legal battle would be costly – meaning they would no longer be able to afford to give back to the community.
Now though, Brixton Street Wear has been able to continue trading, as the two companies have agreed to “co-exist” under certain guidelines.
The two companies have agreed to ‘co-exist’. (Image: SWNS)
This includes Brixton Street Wear tweaking its logo, not selling abroad, and explicitly stating on its website that it is not affiliated with Brixton LLC.
Mr Adams and Mr O’Connell expressed their gratitude towards the local community – who came to their aid when things got tough.
Mr Adams said: “We might be small but we’ve got a big community.
“And when we were in trouble people came and stood up for us – even donating their money.
“It made a huge difference.”
The brothers, whose main income comes from driving black cabs, spent £6,000 on legal costs.
Of this, £4,000 was donated by the local community via a GoFundMe.
Mr Adams said: “We’ve got some leftover from the GoFundMe which we’re going to use for future community projects.
“But honestly, just a huge thank you to the Brixton community. We’re very grateful.”
RECOMMENDED READING
Brixton Street Wear is a clothing brand selling jumpers, t-shirts, caps, bucket hats, and shorts, with the brothers also regularly hosting free open mic and stand-up comedy nights for locals.
They also frequently donate profits to community projects, mental health charities, and soup kitchens in their area.
Brixton LLC, and their lawyers Groot & Evers, have been contacted for comment.