Big Hit Entertainment Takes Action Against Unauthorized BTS Merchandise Sold At Concerts

BTS’s agency Big Hit Entertainment has filed a complaint in California district court regarding unauthorized merchandise sold outside BTS’s concerts.

According to a report by Billboard, Big Hit filed the complaint on April 25, and the agency claimed an “exclusive right” to the BTS trademark. Big Hit requested the court’s authorization for seizure and destruction of all unauthorized merchandise sold outside BTS’s concerts by the U.S. Marshal and other law enforcement.

Big Hit stated that bootlegged merchandise such as tour and program books, T-shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, hats, visors, buttons, posters, and more are “likely to injure the reputation” of the agency and BTS because of “inferior” quality.

In the complaint, Big Hit cites violations of the Lanham Act, California Civil Code § 3344(a) and California Business & Professions Code §§ 17200. In addition, they state that the company is entitled to damages because of income lost due to the sale of unauthorized merchandise.

BTS is getting ready to begin their “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself” world stadium tour, and they’ll be performing at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on May 4 and 5. The tour so far includes stops at eight stadiums in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Before that, BTS will attend the 2019 Billboard Music Awards on May 1 and perform “Boy With Luv” with Halsey. The group is also nominated for two awards this year: Top Social Artist and Top Duo/Group. The 2019 Billboard Music Awards will air live starting at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

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