Lots happening in the pop courts today. Next, lawyers for US fast food chain Taco Bell have said they will fight 50 Cent's lawsuit against them.
As previously reported, the fast food company approached 50 Cent about him changing his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent as part of a possible marketing partnership to promote their value menu, where foods cost those amounts. Although Fiddy knocked them back, the proposal was leaked to the press getting Taco Bell quite a bit of media coverage.
Fiddy is suing the company, claiming that they leaked the letter before he had chance to respond because they knew doing so would get them media coverage. In that way, he argues, they used his trademark name for marketing purposes without his permission - so he's suing for trademark infringement.
But Taco Bell this week denied that was so, and told reporters that Fiddy's lawsuit "distorted beyond all recognition a bona fide, good faith offer". They say they think the rapper is proceeding with legal action against them simply to "burnish his gangsta rapper persona".
So, it doesn't look like Taco Bell are keen to settle out of court. Could make for an interesting court case. Tacos all round.