
The legal dispute for the rights to use the name Cro-Mags is settled, but the matter will be no less confusing to fans of the punk-rock group. Judges have ruled that two separate entities may be able to use the moniker in the future.
John Joseph and Harley Flanagan, original members of the hardcore-punk pioneers, have been disputing the right to use the band’s name for several years. The last time that the two musicians worked together was in 2002.
Back in 2008, Joseph who founded the Cro-Mags in 1982, filed a trademark lawsuit hoping to get full ownership over the band’s name. This sparked a lengthy legal dispute.
A legal court recently settled the issue. Bassist Harley Flanagan will be able to use the moniker “Cro-Mags”. Meanwhile, John Joseph’s version of the group, which has toured recently, will need to bill themselves as “Cro-Mags GM”.
Both musicians have commented on the decision. Joseph saluted the agreement calling it a win/win situation. He promised that his group are preparing to release new music.
Meanwhile, Flanagan, says he will continue to retain full ownership of the band’s name for commercial purposes. He will continue to perform under this title. Flanagan encouraged fans to seek out information online when seeing the band live to avoid any confusion.