Home / Arts and Entertainment / Live Band's Trademark Dispute: Kowalczyk vs. Former Members
Live Band's Trademark Dispute: Kowalczyk vs. Former Members
20 Feb
Summary
- Ed Kowalczyk's rights to use the Live band name were revoked on February 16, 2026.
- Action Front Unlimited, Inc. owns Live's trademarks and issued the cease-and-desist letter.
- This dispute follows years of legal battles between Kowalczyk and former bandmates.
Ed Kowalczyk's rights to use the band name 'Live' have been officially revoked as of February 16, 2026. Chad Taylor and Chad Gracey, founding members of Live, announced on social media that Action Front Unlimited, Inc. has terminated Kowalczyk's license to use the band's trademarks. The revocation was formally communicated through a cease-and-desist letter.
This development is the latest chapter in a protracted legal saga between Kowalczyk and his former bandmates. The group, originally formed in York, Pennsylvania, and achieving popularity in the 1990s, has experienced multiple splits and reunions, accompanied by numerous lawsuits. These legal battles have centered on contract breaches and trademark infringement related to the band's identity and business activities.
Disputes resurfaced when Kowalczyk allegedly took control of the band in 2022, leading to further litigation among the musicians, though they reportedly settled their suits last year. While Kowalczyk has continued to tour as Live with hired musicians, other original members have recently performed with different vocalists, including Chris Shinn and Taylor himself. The courts are now expected to settle the ongoing dispute over the Live brand.
