Report: Singer files trademark countersuit against country group Lady A

SEATTLE (KOMO) — A singer known as Lady A has filed a countersuit against the country music group formerly known as Lady Antebellum, escalating a legal dispute that has spanned music genres, according to a report by an entertainment trade publication.

Variety reported Tuesday that Anita White, the Seattle-based artist who goes by “Lady A,” filed a trademark infringement countersuit in Seattle against the Nashville trio that now also goes by the name Lady A. The group changed its name three months ago amid ongoing unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

But the group's move caused an issue for White, an R&B singer, who said the trio never consulted her before they changed its name.

According to the band, it applied for trademarks for the name "Lady A" for entertainment services and for use on clothing back in 2010 and no oppositions were filed by any person or entity.

Lawyers for White and the band were unable to come to amicably resolve the dispute, and the trio made up Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, filed suit in July after settlement talks broke down.

Variety reported that White's legal argument revolves around a common law right to the “Lady A” trademark based on decades of performing under that name. The suit contends that the Nashville band’s use of the name will result in brand confusion, and states claims of trademark infringement and unfair competition.