The Softones' Founding Member Reclaims Trademark to Band Name

Steven Jackson, the sole surviving founding member of Baltimore-based soul group The Softones, owns common law trademarks to the band's name, a federal judge ruled. Jackson proved at jury trial that he never left the band and has been performing continuously under The Softones' name since its founding over 50 years ago, Judge Adam B. Abelson of the US District Court of the District of Maryland said Sept. 4. The ruling also finds that previous band member Lorenzo Samuels infringed the common law trademark rights. Abelson's ruling that Jackson held common law ownership of The Softones trademark gives him priority ...