T.I. Fights Back in Trademark Lawsuit Over Film Title ‘Situationships’
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Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr. is pushing back against a trademark infringement lawsuit filed over the title of his upcoming film, Situationships. The rapper-turned-filmmaker and his production company,
Grand Hustle Films, have filed a formal response in the Southern District of New York, arguing that the title is too generic to merit exclusive trademark protection.
The lawsuit, filed on 18 June by Featherstone Entertainment founder Cylia Senii, alleges that Harris unlawfully appropriated the name of her web series Situationships, which premiered on YouTube in 2016 and later appeared on BET Digital, Amazon Prime, and Tubi.
Senii’s legal complaint claims Harris and his team are “engaging in a common scheme” to benefit from public recognition of the Situationships brand by promoting a film with the same title.
She asserts that various versions of her series were in development between 2019 and 2024, including plans for expanded television and film projects—claims she says Harris was aware of prior to proceeding with his own production.
In their response, Harris’s legal team argues that Senii has not demonstrated “exclusive ownership” of the term or any substantial brand recognition that would qualify it for trademark protection.
They also dispute the choice of New York as the venue for the case, suggesting that Georgia, where key parties and witnesses are located—would be a more appropriate venue.
A federal judge has already issued a preliminary injunction preventing Grand Hustle Films from using, distributing, or promoting the title Situationships while the case moves forward.
Harris, who wrote, directed, and is set to star in the film, maintains that the title had not been formally marketed or finalised when legal action was initiated.
Senii is seeking financial compensation and a permanent injunction that would block the release of the film under the disputed title. As of now, no official release date for Harris’s Situationships has been announced, and neither he nor Grand Hustle Films has publicly commented on the matter.
