Rihanna Accused of Ripping Off Clothing Brand ... That's a Big F.U.!!!
EXCLUSIVE
Rihanna[1]'s "Fenty University" gear is a total rip-off -- not because that college doesn't exist, but because it jacked its initials from another clothing brand ... so claims that other brand.
The singer's Fenty label through Puma is in hot water with Freedom United, an American fashion brand that happens to use the initials FU on its gear ... which it boasts has been worn by celebs like Demi Lovato[2].
Freedom sent Puma a cease and desist letter in January, spelling out how Rihanna had knowledge of its FU mark for at least a couple of years, yet still chose to use 'F.U.' for her line of Fenty University products.
The company asked Puma to stop making the 'F.U.' gear ... and hand over a full accounting of how much cash RiRi made from her 'F.U.' line.
Puma fired back in March with its own letter -- obtained by TMZ -- insisting there was no infringement on Freedom's 'FU' because Rihanna's 'F.U.' used a completely different font. Besides, Puma claims, FU is not a unique trademark ... it's just initials. Puma also says the Fenty U merch ran its course and is no longer being produced.
We're told this explanation isn't good enough for Freedom United, though ... and it plans to file a lawsuit against Puma soon.
We reached out to Rihanna and Puma ... no word back yet.
References
- ^ Rihanna (www.tmz.com)
- ^ Demi Lovato (www.tmz.com)