Neil Young’s New Band Name Sparks Legal Battle With Fashion Company

Neil Young is facing a trademark infringement lawsuit from luxury fashion brand Chrome Hearts LLC over the name of his new band, Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts (NYTCH). The legal action centers on allegations that Young’s band merchandise creates consumer confusion with Chrome Hearts’ established brand.

Trademark Clash Over Band Merchandise

According to legal filings, Chrome Hearts asserts that Young and his bandmates are unlawfully using the exact CHROME HEARTS® trademark on merchandise tied to the band’s name. This, the company claims, is likely to mislead customers into believing there is a connection between the band and the fashion label.

“The likelihood of confusion is not merely hypothetical,” Chrome Hearts stated. “Some clothing and apparel vendors have apparently already mistakenly assumed that there is a connection between NYTCH and Chrome Hearts, and are actively promoting that purported connection. For example, some vendors have started marketing t-shirts that prominently display Mr. Young’s name along with Chrome Hearts’ iconic stylization of the CHROME HEARTS® mark.”

This dispute highlights the challenges artists face when naming new projects, especially when their chosen names intersect with powerful, well-protected trademarks outside the music industry.

Chrome Hearts: The Intersection of Rock and Luxury

Founded in Los Angeles in 1988 by Richard Stark, John Bowman, and Leonard Kamhout, Chrome Hearts quickly gained recognition as a luxury brand known for its gothic and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired leather goods, jewelry, and apparel.

The brand established a strong foothold in the entertainment industry by aligning with major rock figures such as Cher, Lenny Kravitz, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N’ Roses. Its distinct aesthetic and artisanal craftsmanship have made Chrome Hearts synonymous with exclusivity and rock culture—a connection that makes the current legal dispute with Neil Young particularly compelling, given their shared cultural space.

Upholding Brand Integrity and Craftsmanship

Richard Stark and his wife, Laurie Lynn Stark, continue to co-own and operate Chrome Hearts, maintaining its dedication to in-house production in the United States as a statement of quality and independence.

The brand’s fierce protection of its trademarks and identity reflects its commitment to preserving its exclusive image and craftsmanship. This ongoing legal battle with Neil Young underscores how deeply brands like Chrome Hearts guard their cultural and commercial influence—especially when conflicts arise at the intersection of music and fashion.