Legal nightmare for boy band Why Don’t We

At Knijff, we often emphasize the importance of trademark protection for artists.

And for good reason. Your name is your fame—it sets you apart from other artists. To secure the exclusive right to your name, now and in the future, you should register it as a trademark.

If you are not properly protected, or if your trademark rights are in the hands of someone who does not have your best interests at heart, the consequences can be serious. The popular former American boy band Why Don’t We experienced this firsthand after a recent court ruling following years of legal battles.

In 2021, the band sued their management company, Signature Entertainment. One of their managers allegedly locked them in a house, manipulated them, and subjected them to psychological abuse. The band wanted to terminate their contract, leading to years of legal disputes. As a result, they were forced to cancel their tour and put Why Don’t We on hold.

Then, in February 2025, the long-awaited verdict was announced: the Orlando court ruled that the band members each owed their management a symbolic $1 for breach of contract. More importantly, they lost the right to their band name, as well as the name of their album and tour. These trademarks had been registered in the name of their management. The decision led the band members to start over, each focusing on their solo careers. The end of Why Don’t We.

Band member Daniel Seavey shared on Instagram:
"I’ve spent years searching for the right words, hoping this moment would never come. But today, I have to face reality: songs where I poured out my heart—about love, loss, fear, and self-doubt—are not mine."
He continued:
"My music is in the hands of people who have nothing to do with my story. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I hope young artists learn from this: protect yourself, your art, and your future in an industry that doesn’t always have your best interests at heart."

The lesson? Register your name as a trademark so that only you can use it—but also be aware of whose name the trademark rights are registered under. As an artist, you are more vulnerable when you do not hold the rights to your own name.

With Knijff’s expertise in the music industry, we can help you secure your artist or band name. Contact us today, and one of our experts will advise you on the best way to protect your trademark.

Author: Erwin Haüer

Bio: Erwin is a trademark attorney and, as the managing partner, in charge of IT and Information Management. He works extensively with startups and scale-ups, while his clientele also includes numerous multinational corporations. Erwin possesses a sharp wit and a keen eye for remarkable trademark news and curious brand infringements.