Ozzy Osbourne is suing Tony Iommi to reclaim his stake in the Black Sabbath trademark. Iommi sued Live Nation for selling Black Sabbath merchandise even though thier contractual agreement had run out in 1996. Iommi was awarded sole ownership of the Black Sabbath name as a result of that suit. Osbourne claims that Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and himself brought the Black Sabbath name back to prominence after Iommi had spent the '90s playing to small clubs with various hired musicians. He contends that since they helped restore the name, they deserve an equal share of its ownership. The following is Ozzy's official statement about the suit:
It is with great regret that I had to resort to legal action against my long term partner, Tony Iommi, but after three years of trying to resolve this issue amicably, I feel I have no other recourse. As of the mid-1990s, after constant and numerous changes in band members, the brand of Black Sabbath was literally in the toilet and Tony Iommi (touring under the name Black Sabbath) was reduced to performing in clubs. Since 1997 when Geezer, Bill and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory as we headlined sold-out arenas and amphitheatres playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show around the world.
We worked collectively to restore credibility and bring dignity back to the name Black Sabbath which lead to the band being inducted into the UK and US Rock & Roll Hall of Fames in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Throughout the last 12 years, it was my management representatives who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the Black Sabbath brand through OZZFEST, touring, merchandising and album reissues. The name Black Sabbath now has a worldwide prestige and merchandising value that it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour.
Tony, I am so sorry its had to get to this point by me having to take this action against you. I dont have the right to speak for Geezer and Bill, but I feel that morally and ethically the trademark should be owned by the four of us equally. I hope that by me taking this first step that it will ultimately end up that way. Weve all worked too hard and long in our careers to allow you to sell merchandise that features all our faces, old Black Sabbath album covers and band logos, and then you tell us that you own the copyright. Were all in our 60s now. The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing.
