MF DOOM estate sues Temu over unauthorized merchandise

Bootleg items available for sale on the e-commerce site are the focus of a new seven-count lawsuit.

The estate of MF DOOM has launched a lawsuit against Temu accusing the online retailer of selling bootleg merchandise of the late rapper, Billboard reports.

The complaint was made on August 11 in California federal court by Gas Drawls LLC, the company co-founded by DOOM before his passing in 2020. It alleges that Temu sells unauthorized versions of official products available on MF DOOM’s official store.

These items, including hats, shirts, and posters, are sold by Temu “at a far lower price point and a fraction of the quality,” the suit reads. “Such product devalues the subject marks, as well as plaintiff’s proprietary and licensed products and MF Doom’s status in the hip hop milieu.”

DOOM’s estate also points to the possibility of bootleg merch linking DOOM’s brand with Temu, which the suit calls “one of the most unethical companies operating in today’s global marketplace.” The lawsuit allegedly references lawsuits accusing Temu of forced labor practices and user privacy violations, and takes issue with “products that shock the [conscience]” available for sale on Temu, including shirts with homophobic messages.

The lawsuit accuses Temu of seven infractions including trademark infringement, unfair competition and misappropriation of likeness. DOOM’s estate are asking the court to issue an injunction to prevent the sale of the infringing products. They are also asking for an undisclosed amount of money citing “significant injury and monetary damages.”