C+C Music Factory Feud: $30M Lawsuit Rocks 90s Group

Robert Clivillés, a co-founder of C+C Music Factory, has initiated a federal lawsuit seeking a minimum of $30 million in damages against rapper Fredrick "Freedom" Williams. Clivillés alleges that Williams has engaged in trademark infringement and fraud concerning the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

According to the lawsuit, Williams has misrepresented himself as a founding member and has been commercially exploiting the C+C Music Factory name without proper authorization since 1996. Clivillés asserts that the group's name exclusively refers to himself and the late David Cole, who formed the act in New York City in 1990.

Williams, who provided raps for hits like "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)," reportedly had a production contract that concluded in 1992. Clivillés claims Williams began performing under the C+C Music Factory banner after Cole's death in 1995, allegedly securing fraudulent trademark registrations.

The legal filing details a history dating back to the mid-1980s, with Clivillés and Cole developing the C+C Music Factory concept before involving contributing artists. Williams allegedly signed a contract in 1990 as a "featured vocalist for hire," distinct from a group member.

Clivillés is seeking a jury trial to resolve the trademark dispute, particularly after Williams's controversial online statements in May and the release of a new song under the C+C Music Factory name in June.