Formerly Known As (FKA) Twigs Wins First Stage of Trademark Dispute with The Twigs

On Tuesday August 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff ruled that the trademark-infringement claims brought by indie duo The Twigs were barred by the doctrine of laches. Consequently, the court held that FKA Twigs (Tahliah Barnett) cannot be sued for infringing the band’s “The Twigs” trademark at this stage.

FKA Twigs scores victory in trademark infringement battle with The Twigs NME | New Musical ExpressFKA Twigs Wins Trademark Ruling as Judge Dismisses The Twigs’ Claims

The Twigs, twin sisters Laura and Linda Good, have owned a “The Twigs” trademark since 1996. They first sued Barnett in 2014, dismissed that suit, and revived the dispute in 2024 with a cease-and-desist letter. Barnett responded with a lawsuit seeking a declaration that her stage name does not infringe and to block the band from interfering with her trademark registration.

FKA Twigs Wins Trademark Ruling as Judge Dismisses The Twigs’ Claims NME | New Musical ExpressFKA Twigs scores victory in trademark infringement battle with The Twigs

• 1996 – The Twigs secure trademark for “The Twigs.”

FKA Twigs wins first stage of trademark infringement against The Twigs

• 2014 – The Twigs sue Barnett; later dismiss the case.

FKA Twigs Wins Trademark Ruling as Judge Dismisses The Twigs’ Claims

• 2024 – Cease-and-desist letter; Barnett files suit.

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• May 2024 – The Twigs file a counterclaim alleging Barnett is using her fame to “destroy” their trademark.

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• August 18, 2026 – Judge Rakoff dismisses The Twigs’ infringement claims on laches grounds.

FKA Twigs scores victory in trademark infringement battle with The Twigs

• Barnett’s team noted FKA Twigs has 3.2 million monthly Spotify listeners and over 300 million YouTube views, while The Twigs have 705 Instagram followers and 25 monthly Spotify listeners.

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• Barnett reportedly offered the duo $15,000 to allow coexistence; the band rejected the offer and is alleged to have demanded a seven-figure payout.

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• Barnett’s legal team argued that confusion is “inconceivable,” citing the disparity in audience size and commercial ecosystems.

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• The Twigs counter-claimed that Barnett is leveraging her fame to “destroy” their trademark and that the similar names could cause consumer confusion.

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The Good sisters contend that Barnett’s adoption of “FKA Twigs” was a strategic rebranding designed to capitalize on the established “The Twigs” name, diluting their brand. They argue that even a modest following does not eliminate the risk of marketplace confusion.

FKA Twigs wins first stage of trademark infringement against The Twigs

• “The Goods were aware of Barnett's allegedly infringing activity as early as 2013 when the parties exchanged emails, and certainly no later than 2014 when the Goods sued Barnett alleging trademark infringement.” — Judge Rakoff

FKA Twigs scores victory in trademark infringement battle with The Twigs

The ruling resolves only the first-stage infringement claim; the broader dispute over Barnett’s pending trademark application for “FKA Twigs” remains open. The court has ordered discovery, but no timeline is set for a final determination.

FKA Twigs Wins Trademark Ruling as Judge Dismisses The Twigs’ Claims

Both legal teams must exchange evidence in the discovery phase before Judge Rakoff can rule on Barnett’s trademark registration request. The outcome will determine whether The Twigs can continue to oppose the “FKA Twigs” mark in future federal proceedings.

FKA Twigs scores victory in trademark infringement battle with The Twigs