Cease-and-Desist Letter Sparks Trademark Dispute Among Live Members
In a dramatic turn of events, founding members of the band Live, guitarist Chad Taylor and drummer Chad Gracey, recently shared a cease-and-desist letter directed at lead singer Ed Kowalczyk. The letter addresses the use of the band’s name and alleges the termination of Kowalczyk’s license to utilize any trademarks associated with Live, including those linked to his record label, The Fifth Veda.
The Ownership Claim and Background
The cease-and-desist letter identifies Action Front Unlimited as the “exclusive owner” of trademarks and intellectual property related to Live, a company that was originally formed by the band members themselves. Taylor has publicly claimed that Kowalczyk “never had the authority to remove me,” asserting his status as a founding shareholder and director of Action Front Unlimited, Inc.
Timeline of Events
Live announced a two-year hiatus in 2009, and by 2011, Taylor, Gracey, and bassist Patrick Dahlheimer reformed the band without Kowalczyk. A new lead singer was introduced, leading to ongoing disputes between the two factions. Meanwhile, Kowalczyk toured under the name Ed Kowalczyk of Live, and he eventually rejoined the band in 2016. However, relationships soured again by 2022, with Kowalczyk claiming he “fired” the rest of the band and subsequently touring as the sole original member of Live.
Public Response and Social Media Activity
In his social media post accompanying the cease-and-desist letter, Taylor stated, “I won’t fight this in public. The courts will handle it.” As of now, Kowalczyk has not publicly responded to the claims regarding the ownership of the Live trademark.
Legal Representation and Statements
In an update from Kowalczyk’s legal team, Mitchell Schuster of Meister Seelig & Fein, PLLC, issued a statement asserting that the claims made in the cease-and-desist letter are baseless. Schuster emphasized that Kowalczyk has been the band’s frontman since its inception and remains in that role, expressing confidence that the matter will be resolved favorably in court.
Removal of Social Media Posts
Interestingly, the social media posts made by Taylor and Gracey concerning the cease-and-desist letter have since been removed, leaving fans and followers with lingering questions about the internal dynamics of the band.
Implications for Upcoming Tour
This legal dispute arises just as Kowalczyk is set to embark on a Canadian tour under the Live name, starting on February 23 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Earlier in January, the band played a couple of shows in Las Vegas, marking the only U.S. dates scheduled thus far for 2026.
Live 2026 Tour Dates
- Feb. 23 – Abbotsford, British Columbia @ Abbotsford Centre
- Feb. 24 – Kelowna, British Columbia @ Prospera Place
- Feb. 26 – Tsuut’ina, Alberta @ Grey Eagle Event Centre
- Feb. 27 – Edmonton, Alberta @ Rogers Place
- March 1 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan @ Saktel Centre
- March 2 – Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Canada Life Centre
- March 5 – Hamilton, Ontario @ TD Coliseum
- March 6 – Ottawa, Ontario @ Canadian Tire Centre
- March 7 – London, Ontario @ Canada Life Place
- March 9 – Oshawa, Ontario @ Tribute Communities Centre
- March 10 – Laval, Quebec @ Place Bell
- March 11 – Quebec City, Quebec @ Centre Videotron
- March 13 – Moncton, New Brunswick @ Avenir Centre
- March 14 – Halifax, Nova Scotia @ Scotiabank Centre
Conclusion
The unfolding trademark dispute between Ed Kowalczyk and the founding members of Live raises significant questions about the future of the band and its legacy. As both sides prepare for potential legal battles, fans are left to wonder how this will impact upcoming tours and the band’s overall trajectory. The resolution of this conflict will likely have lasting implications for all involved.
FAQs
What is the basis of the cease-and-desist letter?
The cease-and-desist letter alleges that Ed Kowalczyk no longer has the right to use the trademarks associated with Live, which are owned by Action Front Unlimited.
What was Ed Kowalczyk’s response to the cease-and-desist letter?
Kowalczyk has not yet publicly responded to the letter or the claims regarding the ownership of the Live trademark.
When is Kowalczyk’s tour under the Live name scheduled to start?
The tour is set to begin on February 23, 2026, in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
What is the history of Live’s lineup changes?
Live has undergone several lineup changes since its formation, with significant disputes arising after Kowalczyk’s departure in 2009, his return in 2016, and subsequent tensions leading to his touring as the sole original member.
