Ghostface Killah Sued Over ‘Iron Man’ Moniker, Sample Use
Ghostface faces accusations over his adoption of the Iron Man persona and previous sample use.
According to a report posted on AllHipHop.com this week, legendary rapper Ghostface Killah is currently facing a number of lawsuits stemming from his use of the trademarked Iron Man persona, as well as sample use on his 2000 release, Supreme Clientele.
“The defendants fraudulently concealed their use of the ‘Iron Man Theme’ on Supreme Clientele,” read the lawsuit posted by the site. “For instance the liner notes of Supreme Clientele do not give any indication that [Jack] Urbont’s sound recording or compositions are contained on the album.”
Jack Urbont — the case’s plaintiff — is charging that Ghostface illegally used and concealed parts of the original “Iron Man Theme” song and as well as other music from 1966 show, all of which were composed by Ubont.
Others named in the lawsuit include Sony Music and RZA’s Razor Sharp Records.
Although the papers posted by AllHipHop.com don’t appear to indicate as much, the site reports that Ghost is also faces charges from Ubont for the use of the monikers “Iron Man” and “Tony Starks”, names derived from the original cartoon and comic series. According to the site, Ubont is charging that the use of these names provided GFK with an unfair economic advantage by likening him to the Iron Man character.
Editor’s note: It seems unlikely that Ubont is the plaintiff bringing charges against Pretty Tony for the use of Iron Man’s likeness. Given the scope of copyright law and the fact that Ubont is not an original owner, these charges would likely have to be filed by the character’s original creators and/or Marvel Comics.
It’s still unclear at this point when the trial will be set for this dispute. Stay tuned for more information.
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