A Texas guns and weapons store is under scrutiny after vocalist Axl Rose from the legendary 80s rock band Guns N’ Roses filed a lawsuit regarding the store name. The weapons shop owned by Jersey Village Florist LLC is named Texas Guns and Roses because they sell weapons and flowers. Their store name has prompted the band Guns N’ Roses to file a lawsuit against them to revoke their trademark, citing that it can cause confusion and damage the image of their band due to the type of merchandise the store is selling.
Known as one of the trailblazers in the 80s rock scene, Guns N’ Roses are composed of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. The band started making music in 1985 and was responsible for well-known songs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Throughout their long career, the band was no stranger to controversy. Recently, they came under fire again for throwing the microphone at the audience after a concert. Nevertheless, they took a special interest in this particular case. Axl Rose took it upon himself to file a lawsuit against the Texas store.
On December 1, Guns N’ Roses filed the case in the California Central District Court. According to the case overview, there are several sore points as to why the band took legal action. The band had allegedly been aware of the Texas store in 2019 and had taken steps to petition the company that owned it to change the name. However, the band did not receive any response to their request.
The suit also emphasizes that the “N” in Guns N’ Roses name is understood and read as “and” so it can be confusing. At this point, the band argues that it can incite confusion on whether the store is directly related to Guns N’ Roses.
Another issue with the band’s store is that it was selling guns and accessories but was allegedly only selling flowers in order to use the name Texas Guns and Roses. A direct quote from the lawsuit says, “Defendant purports to sell roses and other flowers under Defendant’s Marks. This is a contrivance to purportedly justify the defendant’s wholesale appropriation of the GUNS N’ ROSES mark. Notably, Defendant has not sought registration of any of Defendant’s marks for any goods or services related to flowers, and Defendant does not prominently market flowers for sale on its website.
Jersey Village Florist, the owner of Texas Guns and Roses, still has a few days to respond to the band’s allegations in court. But the lawyer representing the weapons shop has said that the company will most likely go to court. He further says, “Our client sells metal safes for guns and flowers and has a one-stop website and absolutely no one is confused.” When asked how the company shall proceed, the lawyer said, “We will be fighting back.”
As of this writing, the website texasgunsandroses.com is currently unavailable. The only way to clear things up is by settling the lawsuit in court.