Proud Boys Lose Trademark Rights After Legal Dispute with Historic Black Church
A judge has revoked the Proud Boys’ trademark, transferring it to a historic black church following an extensive legal battle.
The Proud Boys have lost the legal ability to utilize their own name, logos, and insignias after a judge granted control of the group’s trademark to a historic black church located in Washington, D.C. This decision arises from a lawsuit related to the Proud Boys’ vandalism of Black Lives Matter banners during confrontations between supporters of President Donald Trump and counter-protesters in December 2020.
Bosier granted full ownership of the Proud Boys trademark to the church, issuing a permanent injunction against Proud Boys International, LLC (PBI) from selling, transferring, or licensing the name or symbols without the church’s consent or court approval. This ruling also placed a lien on the trademark, limiting its usage further.
In 2023, the church secured a judgment of over $1 million against PBI; however, the group did not comply with the payment. To enforce this judgment, Metropolitan AME filed a new lawsuit in 2024, culminating in Monday’s ruling that assigns the Proud Boys trademark to the church.
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Metropolitan AME’s lawsuit included various claims, all of which were upheld by the court, including requests for declaratory and injunctive relief, actual fraudulent transfer, and conspiracy to engage in civil fraud.
The Epoch Times has reached out to Metropolitan AME to comment on the ruling.
The Proud Boys, established in 2016, define themselves as champions of Western civilization and masculinity, opposing political correctness. They advocate for free speech, gun rights, drug legalization, minimal government, strong borders, and traditional gender roles.
