Luxury brand Chrome Hearts filed a lawsuit against legendary musician Neil Young and his backing band in California federal court on September 11, 2025, just one day before the group’s scheduled performance at Shoreline Amphitheatre.
The complaint, which names Young, his band Chrome Hearts, and production company The Other Shoe Productions as defendants, alleges trademark infringement and unauthorized use of Chrome Hearts’ intellectual property.
The Los Angeles-based luxury brand, established in 1988 and known for high-end jewelry, apparel, and accessories, claims exclusive rights to the “Chrome Hearts” name through federally registered trademarks.
According to court documents, the fashion empire argues that Young’s use of the name for his band, formed in late 2024, creates consumer confusion and improperly capitalizes on the brand’s established reputation.
Chrome Hearts contends Young’s band name misleads consumers and unfairly leverages the luxury brand’s market standing.
Young’s band, featuring musicians Micah Nelson, Corey McCormick, Anthony Logerfo, and Spooner Oldham, released their debut album “Talkin to the Trees” in June 2025 and has been touring North America throughout the summer.
Music industry insiders believe the band name references lyrics from Young’s 1976 collaboration with Stephen Stills, “Long May You Run.”
The lawsuit specifically alleges that the defendants knowingly exploited the similarity to gain commercial advantage without permission or license from Chrome Hearts.
The luxury brand seeks injunctive relief to prevent further use of the name, potentially disrupting the remainder of Young’s Love Earth Tour.
Billboard first reported the legal action, with subsequent coverage spreading across entertainment and legal news platforms.
Legal experts note the case highlights tensions between artistic expression in band naming and established trademark protections in commercial markets.
The timing of the lawsuit, filed just before a major performance, suggests strategic legal maneuvering by Chrome Hearts’ attorneys.
Neither Young nor his representatives have publicly responded to the allegations, though the band is expected to continue their scheduled performances while the legal proceedings unfold in California federal court.
Court documents reveal that Chrome Hearts had contacted Young’s team two months prior regarding trademark concerns before escalating to legal action.
The luxury brand’s filing includes screenshots of merchandise showing T-shirts that create confusion by linking Young to the Chrome Hearts brand.
Music attorneys familiar with the case suggest Young could explore sync deals as alternate revenue if merchandise sales are restricted during litigation.
Industry experts suggest Young’s team may need to register with performance rights organizations to protect any renamed band’s intellectual property going forward.
