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Being one of the biggest rappers and musicians in the world, like Drake, definitely has its perks. But it doesn’t make you invincible. The rap star is finding that out the hard way, as he faces an impending court date with Condé Nast over the allegations that he, along with fellow rapper 21 Savage, used the unauthorised Vogue trademark to promote their new joint album, Her Loss.
If you live in New York City, or Los Angeles – North America’s largest metropolitan areas – you would have undoubtedly come across the fake Vogue magazine cover featuring Drake and 21 Savage; marketing collateral created by the musicians to promote their new album. While some may consider it a smart ploy in the promotion of the new album, the only issue with this is that it’s completely illegal to do, even for someone of Drake’s status.
Perks of livin in NYC exclusive drake x 21 vogue mag 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DhyrIhzXQe
— 5TH (@5thave_native) November 1, 2022
As CBS News reported, Condé Nast alleges that the promotional campaign for the album Her Loss was “built entirely on the use of the ‘Vogue’ marks.” Representatives from Condé Nast said that the rappers did not respond to requests to stop using the false cover before the album’s Nov. 4 release date.
“Defendants’ flippant disregard for Condé Nast’s rights have left it with no choice but to commence this action and seek the immediate injunctive relief requested herein, together with any and all available monetary remedies to deter the type of flagrant infringements and false advertising in which Defendants have engaged,” the complaint reads.
Further to the complaint, Condé Nast alleges that Drake and 21 Savage used the counterfeit issue of “Vogue” magazine to promote their album, which was done via social media and in the physical world, as it was allegedly distributed across NYC and LA.
On the flip side, in a recent social media post (October 30) that has since been deleted, Drake posted to his account to promote the cover, thanking Vogue and its editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, for the support.
“Thanks @voguemagazine and Anna Wintour for the love and support on this historic moment,” the post was captioned.
According to Condé Nast, no support was ever endorsed by Anna Wintour, Vogue or Condé Nast. The global publisher, whose titles include Vogue, GQ and Vanity, said it had tried repeatedly since 31 October to resolve its differences with Drake and 21 Savage.
“[The] defendants’ flippant disregard for Condé Nast’s rights have left it with no choice but to commence this action,” the statement said.
The publicity stunt could set back the music duo $6.2 million in damages, or triple the defendants’ profits from their album and “counterfeit” magazine. It also wants punitive damages and an end to any trademark infringement.
