Nirvana & Marc Jacobs Settle Smiley-Face Feud After Over Half A Decade Of Frowns
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When Marc Jacobs released apparel plastered with a familiar-looking smiley face, Nirvana was the last to say, “never mind.” For over half a decade, a legal battle brewed between the fashion and grunge music headliners over the seemingly simple logo. Thankfully, after six years, both sides have reached a settlement.
The lawsuit originated in late 2018 when Nirvana’s legal team accused Marc Jacobs of copyright infringement. The fashion label’s Bootleg Redux Grunge collection featured clothing with a smiley face design that Nirvana identified as “virtually identical or substantially similar” to its own logo.
Nirvana’s copyrighted smiley face, instantly recognizable with its crossed-out eyes, has been synonymous with the band since its 1991 album Nevermind, and it has used the design on merchandise since.
Unlike the Nirvana-logoed wares being sold by Target or Urban Outfitters, Marc Jacobs allegedly didn’t receive authorization/pay to use Nirvana’s valuable intellectual property. pic.twitter.com/itTcmKTC3t
— The Fashion Law (@TheFashionLaw) December 29, 2018
Things got even more complex as Robert Fisher, Nirvana’s former art director at Geffen Records, entered the fray in 2020. Fisher claimed he, not the band, designed the logo, along with the unforgettable Nevermind album cover featuring the underwater baby.
Thankfully, this fashion-meets-grunge feud has finally come to a close. The details of the settlement remain confidential, but both sides have agreed to finalize an agreement within the next few weeks.
According to a joint report filed with the US District Court for the Western District of California on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, all parties have indicated their acceptance of a mediator’s proposal to settle the case.
