Outkast Sue Rapper Ovrkast Over Nearly Identical Name

Outkast have filed a lawsuit against Oakland rapper-producer Ovrkast over his stage name.

The case was filed in Georgia on 16 September by High Schoolers LLC, the company that looks after Outkast’s name and trademark. It names trademark infringement, the claim that one name steps too close to a protected brand, alongside unfair competition and breach of contract. Pitchfork

Outkast are the duo of André 3000 and Big Boi. The defendant records as Ovrkast and was born Silas Wilson.

At the centre of the complaint is the spelling. Outkast’s lawyers say Ovrkast is nearly identical to Outkast and was used without permission. They argue it was likely to confuse listeners or leave the public with the false impression of a link between the two acts.

The filing also points to a broken deal. According to the complaint, Ovrkast had previously agreed to permanently stop using Ovrkast and perform instead as Overkxst. Outkast’s attorneys allege he went back on that agreement.

Ovrkast responded after news of the case spread. He posted about the lawsuit on Instagram with the caption “I thought it was love? (yes this is real)”, tagging André 3000 and Big Boi.

This is not the first time Outkast have gone to court over a name. In August 2024, they filed a trademark case against EDM duo ATLiens, a name also used for an Outkast album. Rolling Stone AU Billboard That dispute was settled earlier this year.

For fans, this means two separate questions for the court. One is whether the two names are too close. The other is whether an earlier promise to change names was broken.