The ongoing legal clash between Eminem and reality TV stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon has taken a new turn, with the Grammy-winning rapper filing for a protective order in their trademark dispute.
Legal documents obtained by AllHipHop reveal Eminem’s attempt to avoid an in-person deposition in the case related to the podcast series “Reasonably Shady.”
The dispute arose when Eminem opposed Bryant and Dixon’s trademark filing for “Reasonably Shady,” arguing that it could potentially harm his own brand and lead to consumer confusion.
The rapper, known by the monikers “Shady” and “Slim Shady,” expressed concerns about the use of these terms by the Real Housewives stars.
In response, Bryant and Dixon countered Eminem’s opposition, requesting the court to dismiss it. They insisted on Eminem being deposed, claiming that his insights were crucial to the case.
However, Eminem’s legal team filed a protective order, asserting that he possesses limited knowledge of the relevant subjects, and individuals like his manager, Paul Rosenberg, would be more suitable for deposition.
“Opposer’s Motion to Compel the deposition of Mathers is also premature and unwarranted because, despite Opposer’s expression that the deposition would be both duplicative and unduly burdensome given Mathers’ limited knowledge of the subjects at issue, his absence of unique knowledge of the subjects at issue and others’ superior knowledge of said issues,” Eminem’s lawyer argued.
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Eminem has consistently used the “Shady” and “Slim Shady” trademarks since the 1990s and holds a trademark for “Shady” for merchandise.
“The marks Slim Shady and Shady have become and are an extremely valuable symbol of Mathers, his reputation and goodwill,” His filing stated.
In response to Eminem’s protective order request, Bryant and Dixon’s attorney, Andrea Evans, questioned why Eminem, as the owner of the “Shady” trademark, is unwilling to undergo deposition.
Evans emphasized the need to question Eminem about his use of the expressions “Slim Shady” and “Shady” in the context of the lawsuit.
