Guns N’ Roses Takes On Online Arms Shop For Infringing On Band’s Trademark

No, this isn’t a parody: Popular rock group Guns N’ Roses has filed a lawsuit against an online gun store for infringing on its trademark, alleging the shop’s name—Texas Guns and Roses—inadvertently associates it with the band. 

As seen by Gizmodo, the filings claim the shop’s name, which indeed sounds similar to the band’s, could “falsely suggest a connection,” resulting in the possibility of it tarnishing the famed trademark. 

Texas Gun and Roses, owned by Jersey Village Florists, markets itself as a one-stop shop for firearms, ammunition, and metal safes, of which customers can purchase on its website and receive through the mail. The store’s flowers aren’t sold online. 

While the iconic group is requesting an undisclosed fee for trademark infringement and for the webstore to change its name, Jersey Village Florists’ attorney David Clark told the publication the shop believes it has “not caused confusion.” 

In fact, Clark alleged that the band’s representatives have “already admitted that there is no evidence of actual confusion” between the two marks, and that it is unlikely shoppers would mix up a site selling guns and flowers with a performing artist.

According to NBC Los Angeles, Guns N’ Roses first became aware of the similarly-named shop in October 2019, and had sent a cease-and-desist letter requesting the defendant voluntarily change its name months later. 

Jersey Village Florist did not seem to have taken heed, as the lawsuit alleges the moniker “is particularly damaging” to the band, which “does not want to be associated” with a firearms and weapons retailer. 

In addition, the complaint details that Texas Guns and Roses “espouses political views related to the regulation and control of firearms and weapons on the website that may be polarizing to many US consumers.” 

It doesn’t seem this saga will end anytime soon, considering the site has vowed it will “be fighting back” against the band’s allegations. Stay tuned to see how this dispute ends. 

[via Gizmodo and NBC Los Angeles, cover image via Serban Enache | Dreamstime.com]