Some may argue that the best legal battles are the ones that never fully come to fruition.
Such is now the case when it comes to Nipsey Hussle’s family and the Crips street gang. As previously reported, the latter was eager to trademark the slain rapper’s famous slogan, “The Marathon Continues.”
As reported by The Blast, a representative for Crips LLC, the official company formed on behalf of the gang, has confirmed that the group won’t be moving forward in their quest to be granted a trademark for the slogan, a move that was also made by Nipsey’s bother, Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom.
“There will absolutely be no trademark legal battle between their organization and Blacc Sam, brother of the late Nipsy Hussle,” the statement issued on behalf of the group reads. “We realize that our actions may have been offensive and we have reached out to his family, respectively Nips sister, Samantha Smith.”
The statement also notes affiliates of the Crips “respectively vow to support the wishes of Lauren London and the Asghedom family.”
Later on in the statement, Crips LLC Corporate Communications Director William King Hollis goes on to formally apologize for their decision to file for a trademark.
“We are deeply sorry for any disruptions and melee that the trademark acquisition may have caused to his family, friends and fan,” Hollis continued, going on to add that he and Nipsey had reportedly agreed to collaboration in some manner utilizing the coveted phrase, prior to the rapper and entrepreneur being fatally shot on March 31.
To further extend the olive branch and express that they meant no ill will towards the late rapper or his family, the Crips LLC has also offered to donate all the proceeds from a forthcoming Blood and Crips-themed beverage.
Now that Crips LLC has backed down, the trademark application process will be a much smoother one for Nipsey Hussle’s family.