Can the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Really Sue My Chemical Romance? Here’s What Experts Say
The NFL cheerleaders say the band can't use their uniforms in concerts. Here's how they're suing, what comes next, and why legal experts have big doubts.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have filed a lawsuit against My Chemical Romance and concert promoter Live Nation, alleging trademark infringement. The claim centers around the band's current Hollywood Bowl run, featuring backup dancers in look-alike Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniforms performing a faux firefight. The cheerleaders' parent company, Pro Silver Star, is seeking an immediate restraining order to prevent further use of the uniforms.
According to the lawsuit, the trademark rights belong to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, an "instantly recognizable symbol of one of the most famous brands in American entertainment." The cheerleaders argue that their uniforms caused consumer confusion, leading fans to believe the performers were the real Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Trademark law experts argue that the case has strong First Amendment protections for free speech, making it unlikely to succeed in court. Trademark law generally only protects against consumers being misled into thinking they are purchasing a genuine product. In this case, the cheerleaders' trademark is being used in a theatrical performance that satirizes modern American culture, which should be protected by free speech rights.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
