Summary
- Outkast has officially settled their trademark lawsuit with the Atlanta-based EDM duo ATLiens
- The dispute centered on the electronic group’s name, which Outkast argued infringed on their intellectual property
- A federal judge dismissed the case in February following an undisclosed settlement agreement
Atlanta hip-hop pioneers Outkast have resolved their trademark infringement lawsuit against the electronic dance music duo ATLiens. The settlement brings an end to a legal confrontation that began in August 2024, centering on the ownership and cultural significance of the term “ATLiens,” a title synonymous with Outkast’s seminal 1996 sophomore album.
The lawsuit, originally filed by Outkast’s holding company High Schoolers LLC, argued that the EDM duo’s name caused significant consumer confusion and improperly traded on the goodwill of the hip-hop group’s legacy. Outkast contended that they coined the term (a portmanteau of “Atlanta” and “Aliens”) and that it did not exist in the cultural lexicon prior to their usage. The complaint further alleged that the duo’s use of masks and their Atlanta origin exacerbated the confusion, leading fans to believe the electronic act was associated with Big Boi and André 3000.
While the EDM duo had previously registered a trademark for the name, Outkast’s legal team challenged this, asserting common law rights based on decades of continuous use. According to court documents filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the parties reached a settlement framework in mid-February. A federal judge subsequently accepted a motion to terminate the civil suit on February 20, dismissing the case with prejudice. The specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.
The resolution cements the protection of Outkast’s intellectual property nearly 30 years after the release of their double-platinum album. Neither party has issued further public comments regarding the details of the settlement.
