112’s Slim Sues Ex Band Mates Q & Deron For False Advertising For Profiting Off Of Group’s Name (Exclusive)

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“112’s” Slim Said Ex-Band Members Have No Right To Use Group’s Name To Make Music & Perform

They once had a double platinum debut album, worked with hip hop royalty like the Notorious BIG and were the toast of the Atlanta club scene.

But the current situation among the former band members of the 90s group 112 is now so fractious following their 2017 breakup that lead singer Slim has sued his fellow crooners for allegedly dishonestly cashing in on the group’s moniker.

That’s according to a lawsuit from Slim’s company, M3 Productions Inc., which sued both Daron and Q for trademark infringement, false advertising, deceptive trade practices and more, claiming the men were using the name “112” to make music, book appearances and perform when Slim owns the rights through the Federal Trademark Office, according to the complaint, which was obtained by BOSSIP.

 

“It breaks my heart to have to engage in a lengthy, costly legal battle against the former members of the group,” Slim told BOSSIP exclusively. “However, countless promoters and agencies have notified us that Q and Daron, and their handlers, keep advertising the ‘112’ Name, despite knowing we own the mark and have humbly asked them to stop using it.”

Slim’s lawyer James Walker said the situation was as if The Jackson Five’s Tito and Jackie Jackson tried to run off and do shows without lead singer Michael.

“Q doesn’t seem to understand that he was the Tito of the group and Slim is the lead singer and owner of the mark – so move on with your career and respect the law and respect (Slim) as the owner,” Walker told BOSSIP. “We should not be in court, but for the continued false advertising, breach, infringement and bad faith of the defendants in using this mark on their advertisements.”

Slim said in court papers that Q and Daron are well aware that he owns the trademark, and despite Walker sending them a cease and desist letter, the men still continue to book work under the name “112.” He said that his former bandmates use of the name “112” has caused confusion among fans, who wrongly assume that their work is actually associated with the real “112,” causing Slim irreparable harm.

Slim wants the judge to force Q and Daron to stop using “112” when they perform shows, make music or attend paid appearances, his complaint states. He also wants a full accounting of the revenues Daron and Q made by using “112” as well as money damages.

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Neither Q nor Daron had responded to Slim’s complaint as of May 6, but Q may not have responded because he just filed for bankruptcy, according to court papers obtained by BOSSIP.

Walker, Slim’s lawyer, said neither he nor his client wished any financial hardships on Q, but said that he hopes the bankruptcy will mean that Q will be willing to meet with them and settle their dispute.

“He would not be filing this (bankruptcy), had his advisors met with us and listened,” Walker told BOSSIP. “We pray that part works out, but we will move aggressively in the litigation to protect Mr. Scandrick (“Slim”).”