NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Lawyers for Ozzy Osbourne have filed suit with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office against Osbourne's former bandmate, Tony Iommi, alleging that Iommi illicitly attempted to take sole control of the band's name.
According to an article in the New York Post, Ozzy is seeking to secure a 50 stake in the Black Sabbath trademark and a concordant portion of the proceeds from merch sales.
Through the lawsuit, Ozzy contends that his "signature lead vocals" that helped to drive the band's early success and in a letter sent by his reps, Osbourne claimed that when he was out of the band, it suffered considerably.
"As of the mid-1990’s, after constant and numerous changes in band members, the brand of "Black Sabbath" was literally in the toilet and Tony Iommi (touring under the name Black Sabbath) was reduced to performing in clubs. Since 1997 when Geezer, Bill and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory as we headlined sold-out arenas and amphitheatres playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show around the world." Osbourne wrote.
"Throughout the last 12 years, it was my management representatives who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the 'Black Sabbath” brand through OZZFEST, touring, merchandising and album reissues. The name "Black Sabbath" now has a worldwide prestige and merchandising value that it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour." Osbourne added. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
