Robert Clivillés, one of the original creators of C+C Music Factory, has filed a federal lawsuit against rapper Fredrick “Freedom” Williams, according to Rolling Stone. The complaint accuses Williams of trademark infringement, fraud before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and falsely presenting himself as a founding member of the group.
Clivillés says Williams was only a featured artist on select recordings, including “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” and “Things That Make You Go Hmmm…,” and was never a co-owner or signed member of C+C Music Factory. The lawsuit says Clivillés and David Cole formed the group in New York in 1990 and are the sole members of the act.
In the filing, Clivillés alleges Williams used the C+C Music Factory name without permission beginning in the mid-1990s and later sought trademark registrations under that name. The suit also claims Williams made money from unauthorized performances and released commercial recordings under the brand.
Clivillés is asking for at least $30 million in damages and wants Williams barred from using the trademark. According to Rolling Stone, he is also seeking a jury trial to decide who has the legal right to the C+C Music Factory name.
