Henley Sues Shirtmaker

Duluth Trading Company is finding out the hard way that one doesn’t simply use Don Henley’s name in its advertising, even as a play on words.

Photo: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP
Madison Square Garden Arena, New York City

The company is being sued by Henley for advertising its “Henley” line of T-shirts with a line reading: “Don A Henley and Take It Easy.”

Henley didn’t sing “Take It Easy,” the Eagles’ breakout ‘70s hit, and bandmate Glenn Frey helped friend Jackson Browne with a few lyrics, but no matter.

It’s no secret that the fiercely protective band members take their trademarks and other intellectual property seriously.

Henley filed suit Oct. 8 in a U.S. District Court in Los Angeles charging Duluth Trading Co. with trademark infringement, false endorsement, unfair competition and violating his right of publicity as well as California business codes.

Henley seeks unspecified damages, including legal and court costs.