The band began using the name recently, while the fashion brand has been around since 1988
Neil Young and his backing band, The Chrome Hearts, have been sued by the luxury fashion brand Chrome Hearts for trademark infringement.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in a California federal court, the fashion brand, which has been in business since 1988, claims that Young and his band are unlawfully using its federally registered trademark. They argue that this could create consumer confusion, especially with the sale of band merchandise.
Young’s band name is reportedly inspired by a lyric from his 1976 song, “Long May You Run.” However, the fashion brand has been operating under the name for decades and has established a reputation for its high-end jewelry and clothing, which is often seen on celebrities and musicians.
While Young’s merchandise may not copy the brand’s logo, the lawsuit points out that third-party vendors have already started marketing products that combine Young’s name with Chrome Hearts’ branding, suggesting a collaboration that doesn’t exist.
The brand claims it sent a letter to Young’s representatives earlier in the year to address the issue and ask them to stop using the name, but the band has continued to tour and sell merchandise under the contested moniker.
The fashion brand is seeking an injunction to prevent the band from using the name, as well as unspecified financial damages.
Young began using The Chrome Hearts as a band name in late 2024. The band’s formation came after he scrapped his summer tour with his longtime backing band, Crazy Horse. The new band is comprised of musicians who were previously part of Lukas Nelson’s Promise of the Real, which had also served as Young’s backing band in the past.
Young and his band released their debut album, Talkin To The Trees, over the summer via Reprise Records. The group kicked off its first tour together in June.
As of now, neither Young nor his representatives has issued a public statement on the lawsuit.
