Munck Wilson Mandala is pleased to announce that partner Brent Lehman and senior associate Tanaz Irani have obtained a decisive preliminary injunction in federal court on behalf of their client, CORE MUSIC GROUP. The injunction prohibits an opposing band and its promoters from using CORE MUSIC GROUP’s distinctive stylized CORE trademark in any promotional materials, social media, posters, merchandise, or related advertising.
CORE MUSIC GROUP sought MWM’s assistance after discovering that Core Productions was using CORE MUSIC GROUP’s logo to promote upcoming performances and venues. The MWM litigation team acted swiftly, moving for an injunction to halt the ongoing misuse and prevent Core Productions from continuing to leverage the mark in connection with its tour.
Federal Judge Anne Hwang agreed that significant marketplace confusion had already taken hold due to the unauthorized use of CORE MUSIC GROUP’s stylized mark. The Court found that immediate and targeted relief was necessary to protect both consumers and the integrity of the brand.
Importantly, the Court rejected any attempt by the opposing party to shift responsibility to third-party promoters, holding that the burden to prevent and correct trademark misuse rests with the party benefiting from the promotion. The ruling provides CORE MUSIC GROUP with immediate, practical protection while the litigation proceeds.
The MWM team developed a compelling evidentiary record that translated complex reverse-confusion issues into clear, persuasive proof. Their advocacy resulted in a tailored injunction requiring corrective measures to stop ongoing misuse and to remedy existing materials—precisely the relief the team requested in its briefing and at oral argument.
From intake through argument, this case represents a textbook example of high-stakes brand protection: rapid fact-finding, disciplined evidentiary strategy, and remedies designed to safeguard goodwill and prevent consumer confusion. This outcome underscores the strength of MWM’s IP litigation and entertainment brand-protection services, and the decisive advocacy the firm delivers for clients under pressure.
The case is Core Productions LLC v. Core Music Group, No. 2:25-cv-01046-AH-AGR, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Lehman, recently named chair of MWM’s West Coast litigation practice, represents clients across the music, film, technology, and video-game industries in disputes involving intellectual property, business breakups, contingent compensation, fiduciary duty, fraud, and white-collar matters.
Irani advises clients on copyright, trademark, and transactional matters in IP litigation and entertainment deals. She has represented internationally recognized recording artists and songwriters in high-stakes disputes and is highly regarded for her ability to help creators and businesses protect, monetize, and enforce their intellectual property rights.
Munck Wilson Mandala is a full-service, technology-focused law firm with offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Waco, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Boca Raton and Orlando, Florida; and Seoul, Korea. Recognized as a Best Lawyers “Best Law Firm” in 24 practice areas, MWM offers deep experience in intellectual property, complex litigation, corporate and securities law, employment, real estate, and more. The firm represents clients ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies. Learn more at www.munckwilson.com.
