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Beyonce sues ‘Feyonce’ over play on name

Posted at 1:11 PM, Apr 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-06 13:11:59-04

NEW YORK  — Beyonce is telling a company to put an end to selling its “Feyonce” merchandise.

The Grammy-award winning singer is suing a Texas-based company to stop selling products that have the word “Feyonce” written on them.

The lawsuit said the three defendants “have willfully traded upon the goodwill and notoriety of Beyonce, arguably one of the most famous musical artists and entrepreneurs in the world.”

The San Antonio company’s website sells various items, including sweatshirts and tank tops that have “Feyonce” emblazoned on them.

There’s also a coffee mug that says: “Feyonce, he put a ring on it” for sale for $14.95.

The lawsuit claims “Feyonce” is an attempt to associate the products with the star’s trademarked name and is a misspelling of the word “fiance,” purposefully referencing Beyonce’s 2008 smash hit “Single Ladies.”

The song’s lyrics include the line: “‘Cause if you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it.”

The complaint, which was filed in a Manhattan federal court Tuesday, says the products cause “immediate and irreparable harm” to the artist.

It also says the defendants had previously been sent cease and desist letters to stop selling the unauthorized products.

The company did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening.

The lawsuit seeks monetary relief, including damages and attorney fees.