David Gilmour Sues Merch Company Over Unauthorized Pink Floyd Trademarks

David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against a merchandise company accused of selling unauthorized Pink Floyd-themed products. The dispute highlights important lessons for small businesses about brand protection and the risks of using famous trademarks without permission.

Gilmour Targets ‘Palm Coast’ Over Unlicensed Pink Floyd Goods

According to ASI Central, Gilmour’s company, One Fifteen, sued Florida-based Palm Coast Holdings for allegedly selling unauthorized merchandise featuring famous Pink Floyd imagery — including designs from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall.

The lawsuit claims Palm Coast’s products are confusingly similar to Pink Floyd’s registered trademarks and falsely suggest affiliation with the band. Gilmour asserts that Palm Coast’s actions dilute the distinctiveness of the Pink Floyd brand and could mislead consumers.

Gilmour is seeking injunctive relief to stop Palm Coast from selling the products, as well as damages for profits made through the alleged infringement.

Why Trademark Enforcement Matters — Even for Famous Brands

This lawsuit underscores why even iconic brands must actively monitor and enforce their trademarks. Under U.S. law, failure to police a mark can weaken or even erode trademark rights over time. For small businesses, the principle is the same: if you don’t actively protect your brand, you risk losing it.

If you spot someone using a name, logo, or slogan similar to yours — whether intentionally or not — it’s important to address it promptly. Sometimes a polite cease and desist letter resolves the issue. Other times, you may need to take formal action like filing a trademark opposition or lawsuit to defend your rights.

Ignoring trademark infringement can cause real damage to your reputation, customer trust, and future sales.

Lessons for Small Businesses from the Pink Floyd Dispute

While few small businesses have trademarks as globally famous as Pink Floyd’s, the core principles apply to everyone:

• Register your trademarks early. Registration with the USPTO strengthens your legal rights and opens additional enforcement options.
• Monitor the market. Regularly watch for unauthorized uses of your brand name, logo, or similar marks. Trademark monitoring services can help you stay proactive.
• Act promptly when issues arise. Waiting too long can limit your ability to stop infringement or collect damages.

Small businesses are often at greater risk because infringers may assume you lack the resources to fight back. Having a clear enforcement strategy — and working with an experienced trademark attorney — can make all the difference.

Protecting Your Brand Before Problems Arise

The Pink Floyd lawsuit reminds us that a strong brand doesn’t protect itself — you have to enforce it. Whether you’re a global music icon or a growing small business, monitoring and defending your trademarks is critical to your long-term success.

Need help protecting your brand?
Contact Harrigan IP today to schedule a consultation with an experienced trademark attorney.