Outkast has ended its trademark battle with EDM group ATLiens after reaching a settlement in federal court in Georgia.
The hip-hop legend sued the electronic dance music duo in 2024, accusing them of using the ATLiens name from Outkast’s 1996 album.
A federal judge dismissed the case on February 20 after the two sides filed documents saying they had reached a settlement framework. Court documents show the two sides are working to finalize an agreement, but all terms of the settlement are confidential.
“The parties are pleased to report that they have agreed on an overall settlement framework and are in the process of drafting and negotiating a formal settlement agreement,” explained Outkast attorney Joshua M. Kalb.
The Atlanta-based EDM duo has used the ATLiens name since 2012 and registered a federal trademark in 2020. Outkast’s legal team argued that the electronic artists were trading on their fame and confusing fans as to who created the original ATLiens brand.
Outkast’s company, High Schoolers LLC, filed the lawsuit, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. The complaint alleges that the EDM group used the name on merchandise such as T-shirts and sweaters while parodying Outkast’s promotional materials.
Since starting their career, EDM duo ATLiens have amassed 456,000 Spotify listeners and 253,000 Instagram followers. They wore masks while performing, which Outkast’s lawyers said could create more confusion about the artists’ identities.
Outkast combined Atlanta with aliens to coin the term “ATLiens” for their second studio album.
Hip-hop duo Andre 3000 and Big Boi have sold more than 25 million records worldwide and won six Grammy Awards. Their ATLiens album is considered one of the greatest hip-hop records by music critics and fans.
The parties have until March 15 to complete final settlement documents, according to court documents.
