FKA twigs Defeats Trademark Lawsuit From Indie Band The Twigs

FKA twigs, the British dance star formerly known as Tahliah Barnett, has triumphed over a trademark lawsuit filed by an indie band called The Twigs. Decades earlier, Barnett adopted the "FKA" prefix to distinguish herself from the American twin sisters Laura and Linda Good, who formed the band The Twigs. In 2014, The Twigs attempted to trademark the term "Twigs," but dropped the case shortly after.

However, in 2024, they began sending cease-and-desist letters to FKA twigs, causing her stress. Barnett promptly filed a legal challenge against the band this year, requesting a judge to halt their cease-and-desist orders and allow her to proceed with trademarking her name. Her legal counsel argued before the court that consumers would not be misled to believe that Barnett's work and The Twigs were connected or affiliated.

The band counter-sued, alleging that Barnett's fame had weakened or destroyed their trademark by dropping the "FKA" from her name in some public appearances. U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff dismissed The Twigs' claims against FKA twigs on Tuesday in New York, stating that the claims were too outdated under the doctrine of laches, which disallows unreasonable delays in legal action.

The band had been aware of Barnett's infringing activity since at least 2013 and filed their lawsuit as early as 2014. After dismissing their case, The Twigs continued releasing music under the name "The Twigs" until 2024, when they initiated the current claims.