EXCLUSIVE: Jay-Z To Ex-Business Partner – You’re Only Suing Me Because I’m Famous!

Jay-Z To Ex-Business Partner – You’re Only Suing Me Because I’m Famous!

theJasmineBRAND exclusively reports, Jay-Z is claiming that his ex-business partner has only added his name to a massive lawsuit to generate publicity. Here’s the backstory: Last year, Iconix Brand Group sued Roc Nation and Jay-Z over a $204 million business deal. Iconix purchased certain intellectual properties from Jay-Zs company back in 2007 for $204 million. The lawsuit accused Roc Nation of deliberately undermining a series of agreements after receiving millions in compensation. Specifically, they claim Jay-Z’s company continued to use and exploit the Roc properties it sold to Iconix.

Iconix purchased the right to use the name “Roc” in certain areas, but complained that Jay’s companies were still using the “Roc” name with his Roc Nation label. Iconix had specifically purchased the rights to exploit the “Rocawear” name.

Roc Nation counter-sued Iconix, claiming the deal was only for “Rocawear” and didn’t grant them all rights to anything “Roc” including Roc Nation. The music mogul pointed out Roc Nation wasn’t even formed when the 2007 deal was signed.

Here’s the latest: On March 5, Jay-Z headed to court, accusing them of adding his name to the lawsuit due to his celebrity status. Jay-Z’s legal team stated in court documents,

Plaintiffs bring these claims solely on the basis of Carter’s association with the Roc Defendants. They no doubt also do so because he is famous. For all his celebrity wattage, Carter does not belong in this case. 

The rapper and music mogul says the lawsuit doesn’t have any evidence he personally benefited from the alleged deal, therefore he should not be a defendant in the case.

Further, he claims they have provided no proof showing he acted for his own gain, and with malice, fraud or illegality. Jay-Z says he has the right to use “Roc” for whatever he wants as long as it doesn’t interfere with the 2007 deal. He is demanding the entire lawsuit against him be dismissed.

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