Van Halen Settles Suit With Drummer’s Ex

The rock band Van Halen has agreed with its drummer’s ex-wife that they can share the “Van Halen” name for commercial purposes. The band and fashion designer Kelly Van Halen, the ex-wife of drummer Alex Van Halen filed a joint motion to dismiss the band’s lawsuit for trademark infringement and unfair competition. 
The band sued Kelly in October 2013 in federal court in Los Angeles, claiming her use of the name “Kelly Van Halen” as her fashion design label diluted the band’s trademark. The confidential settlement reportedly allows Kelly to use her full name for her merchandise, which includes blankets, bathing suits and chairs. “What she is going to do is use Kelly Van Halen with another word like ‘Designer Originals by Kelly Van Halen,'” Kelly’s lawyer told The Hollywood Reporter.

According to her website, Kelly designed and built custom homes before launching her designer line, using the theme “being at home should feel like a luxury.” After debuting in 1978, the band Van Halen was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Fronted at various times by lead singers David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone, the rockers produced hit songs like “Jump,” “Panama” and “Why Can’t This Be Love?”

Source: Entertainment Law Digest