Drake, 21 Savage was sued for using the name “Vogue” to promote the album

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Vogue magazine publisher Condé Nast is suing Drake and 21 Savage for using the Vogue name without permission to promote their new album, Losing It.

Condé Nast said the rapper’s promotional campaign, including for her more than 135 million followers on social media, was built “entirely” on the unauthorized use of Vogue trademarks and false representations that will appear on Vogue’s next cover, with “love and support” the editor-in-chief Veteran Anna Wintour.

“All of this is untrue,” said the complaint filed Monday night in Manhattan federal court. “None of which was stated by Condé Nast.”

Condé Nast said the defendants also created fake Vogue numbers that were distributed in major urban areas, accompanied by posters mimicking Vogue design.

She said the result was “unmistakable” confusion among the public, including the media who described Drake and 21 Savage as the “new cover stars” of Vogue magazine.

Larry Stein, the defendants’ attorney, declined immediate comment on Tuesday, and has yet to review the complaint.

Conde Nast, also known as Advance Magazine Publishers Inc, is seeking at least $4 million in damages, or tripling the defendants’ earnings from their album and “fake” magazine.

It also wants punitive damages, and an end to any trademark infringement.

“Her Loss” has received mixed critical reviews since its release on November 4.

Condé Nast said she has repeatedly tried since October 31 to resolve her differences with Drake, a Toronto native, and 21 Savage of Atlanta.

“The defendants’ blatant disregard for Condé Nast’s rights left her no choice but to initiate this procedure,” she said.

(Jonathan Stemple reports) in New York. Editing by Bill Bercrot

Our criteria: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.