Rap Snacks is facing legal heat from Mattel after the latter sues them over allegedly using one of their trademarks on their products without their permission.
In Nicki Minaj's latest rap snack release, she is wearing the iconic Barbie brand as her necklace bling, and the trademark's name was used as their flavor "Barbie-Que Honey Truffle."
Rapper Nicki Minaj was not explicitly mentioned in the lawsuit but is clearly in the middle of why the two brands are currently suffering the legal headache.
Mattel Sues Rap Snacks Over The 'Unlawful' Use of Barbie Trademark on Nicki Minaj Munchie
In an article by All Hip-Hop, Mattel, the owner of the iconic Barbie is suing hip-hop company Rap Snacks for trademark infringement.
Filed last August 8, the high-profile lawsuit, does not include the "Barbie Tingz" rapper Nicki Minaj in the complaint.
Nicki Minaj holds Barbie dearly close to her heart, even naming her loyal fans "Barbie" or "Barbz" in the long run.
The lawsuits include one count of federal trademark dilution, one count of state unfair competition violation, and one count of federal unfair competition and false designation of origin.
Apparently, Nicki was not to blame for the legal limbo, as Mattel confirmed that Minaj's reps made sure to check with Rap Snacks if they have already gotten clearance to use the Barbie trademark on the new products.
"Rap Snacks made the deliberate and calculated choice to launch a new product line using Mattel's famous Barbie trademark. That choice, made without any prior notice to Mattel, was unlawful," Mattel claims.
The toy company also pointed out in the complaint that Rap Snacks purposely launched the chips using the Barbie trademark on its packaging and advertising without securing authorization from them.
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Nicki Minaj Rap Snacks To Be Discontinued?
Based on Mattel's complaint, they want Rap Snacks to appear in court for causing brand confusion to their consumers and the alleged trademark infringement.
Mattel wants the brand to "cancel their trademark registrations for 'Barbie-Que' and to be given all profits derived by the product.
The toy brand is seeking punitive and exemplary charges based on the snack company's "willful and wrongful acts," and court/ lawyer fees associated with the lawsuit.
As of this writing, neither Nicki Minaj nor Rap Snacks have responded on the issue. The rapper finally released her highly-awaited single "Super Freaky Girl" yesterday on streaming services worldwide.
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