Lady Gaga Faces $100M Lawsuit Over Trademarked Logo

When does a logo become a lawsuit? For Lady Gaga, the answer may be now.

In March 2025, Gaga and her creative team were hit with a $100 million trademark infringement lawsuit by California-based surf brand Lost International, who claim that the pop icon’s new “Mayhem” logo, used across tour merch and album branding, is a little too close to a logo they’ve owned and registered since 1988.

According to the New York Post, Lost alleges that Gaga’s stylized “Mayhem” emblem mimics their established branding, creating confusion in the marketplace and exploiting their long-standing reputation.

The legal hook?

Trademark infringement doesn’t require identical logos, just a likelihood that consumers might believe the marks are connected. And when one brand is rooted in surf culture and the other rides the wave of pop superstardom, that confusion can cross oceans.

Why it matters (and why you should care):

• Artists launching brands must run clearance searches. Original design doesn’t always mean risk-free.
• Companies with legacy marks need to monitor new filings, even from celebrities. Fame doesn’t equal free use.
• The overlap between merch and identity is tighter than ever. A logo isn’t just a design, it’s a declaration of ownership.

Book a Creative Consult to make sure your identity is protected from concept to commerce. And for resources that meet creators where they are, visit The Creative Docket.