The New Boyz Hit With Trademark Lawsuit

Gospel group Newsboys and their manager Wesley Campbell have launched a legal battle against rappers Earl "Ben J" Benjamin and Dominic "Legacy" Thomas over claims their strikingly similar band name is causing brand confusion in the market place.

In papers filed at the District Court of Middle Tennessee in Nashville on Friday (06Jul12), the plaintiff documents "several instances of actual confusion among its customers, prospective customers and other outside observers who mistakenly assume a connection between plaintiff and defendant and the respective music they offer."

The Newsboys were founded in Australia in 1985, 23 years before The New Boyz broke onto the music scene in 2008 with their hit single You're a Jerk.

The Christian music four-piece is seeking damages for all profits lost due to the alleged confusion.