Battle of the Twigs: FKA Twigs and Indie Duo Clash in Escalating Trademark War
The legal battle over one of the most distinctive stage names in modern pop is heating up. What began as a request for coexistence has spiraled into a full-scale trademark war between the Grammy-winning artist FKA Twigs and the indie-pop duo known as The Twigs. After FKA Twigs initiated legal action in March, the sister duo has fired back with a countersuit that could potentially threaten the artist’s ability to use her professional moniker.
The Origins of the Dispute: A Failed Peace Offering
The conflict centers on Tahliah Barnett, known professionally as FKA Twigs, and twin sisters Laura and Linda Quality, who perform as The Twigs. According to court documents, the tension dates back years, with Barnett claiming the duo has been aware of her use of the name since 2013.
In an attempt to avoid litigation, Barnett allegedly offered the band $15,000 to allow their respective musical entities to “co-exist” without requiring her to purchase the name outright. However, Laura and Linda Good declined the offer, stating they did not consent to such an arrangement.
The situation escalated in May 2024. Barnett’s original lawsuit alleges that the duo attempted to “weaponize” their trademark claims by issuing cease-and-desist letters. These letters allegedly threatened litigation and sought to enjoin Barnett from using her mark to disrupt her decade-long, uninterrupted use of the name for the sisters’ own financial gain. The lawsuit claims the sisters demanded a “significant seven-figure payout” to release their claims.
The Countersuit: ‘Eroding Goodwill’
The indie duo did not remain on the defensive for long. On Monday, May 11, Laura and Linda Good filed their own complaint for trademark infringement. Their argument hinges on the evolution of Barnett’s branding over the last several years.
The Twigs allege that following the 2019 release of the album Magdalene, Barnett began dropping the “FKA” prefix during certain public appearances. The duo claims this was a strategic move to use her celebrity status and media influence to increase the public’s association of her services with the name “Twigs,” thereby eroding and overwhelming the “goodwill” the sisters had established in the same musical channels of commerce.
What’s at Stake?
This isn’t just about a payout; it’s about the right to a professional identity. The Twigs are requesting a legal injunction that would prohibit Barnett from using the stage name “FKA Twigs” entirely. In addition to the injunction, the duo is seeking unspecified financial damages for unfair competition and trademark infringement.
- The Initial Claim: FKA Twigs sued in March, alleging the duo tried to disrupt her career through cease-and-desist letters and demands for a seven-figure sum.
- The Counter-Claim: The Twigs countersued on May 11, arguing that Barnett intentionally dropped “FKA” to misappropriate their brand identity.
- The Peace Attempt: A previous offer of $15,000 for “co-existence” was rejected by the Good sisters.
- The Potential Outcome: The indie duo is seeking a permanent ban on the use of the name “FKA Twigs” and financial damages.
The Industry Impact
Trademark disputes in the music industry are rarely simple, especially when “FKA” (Formerly Known As) is involved. The core of this dispute rests on whether the addition of “FKA” creates enough distinction to avoid consumer confusion, or if the artist’s growing global fame has rendered that distinction irrelevant. If the court finds that Barnett’s branding has indeed “overwhelmed” the original mark, it could set a significant precedent for how stage names are protected in the era of viral celebrity.
As of now, representatives for both Tahliah Barnett and the Good sisters have not responded to requests for comment. The industry will be watching closely to see if a settlement is reached or if one party is forced to undergo a total rebrand.