EasyJet Founder Sues PC Music's Easyfun Over Brand Imitation

The founder of the budget airline EasyJet, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has taken legal action against PC Music producer and DJ Easyfun, whose real name is Finn Keane, in the High Court. The accusation centers around claims that Easyfun is attempting to imitate the EasyJet brand for his own gain, thus infringing on trademark rights.

Background of the Dispute

EasyGroup, owned by Haji-Ioannou and the licensing company behind EasyJet, is alleging that Easyfun is a 'brand thief' and is using their well-known branding to boost his DJ career. This situation mirrors a previous case where indie band Easy Life faced legal pressure from EasyGroup and had to opt for a name change due to the threat of a costly legal fight.

The Controversial Artwork

Fueling the legal battle is the cover art for Easyfun's EP 'Deep Trouble,' which featured an image of passengers in swimwear sliding off a plane into the ocean with floating champagne bottles. EasyGroup has expressed concern that this artwork, which they find to be in poor taste, may be damaging to the reputation of their trademarks, specifically citing the airline. They have requested substantial damages from Keane.

Easyfun's Response to the Allegations

In response to the legal challenge, Easyfun has clarified that the artwork was meant to be humorous and not taken seriously. He also stated his intention to avoid future disputes by altering any problematic artwork and steering clear of similar images moving forward. The 'Deep Trouble' artwork in question has since been changed.

Keane's involvement in the music industry as a songwriter and producer includes contributions to tracks by Charli XCX and Rita Ora and being a key player on the PC Music label. Along with A.G. Cook, he has introduced a new album 'Soft Rock' under the collaborative project Thy Slaughter, featuring a performance with Caroline Polachek at PC Music's 10th anniversary event.

PC Music has also declared a shift in their future direction, focusing on archival work and special reissues instead of producing new original content after 2023.

EasyJet, Legal, Music