Lost Sues Lady Gaga for $100M over ‘Mayhem’ Mark

Surf brand Lost International has set off a legal storm in the entertainment and lifestyle worlds, alleging that Lady Gaga’s latest album and merchandise have infringed upon its iconic “Mayhem” logo.

Legal Battle Over “Mayhem” Logo Heats Up

California-based surfboard and surfwear brand Lost International is demanding at least $100 million in damages from pop superstar Lady Gaga, accusing her of trademark infringement for her use of the “Mayhem” mark in connection with her new album and related branded merchandise.

Lost International, co-founded by Matt “Mayhem” Biolos, claims the mark has been central to its brand identity since 1988, used on everything from surfboards and apparel to accessories and surf videos. The company officially registered the “Mayhem” trademark in 2015. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that Lady Gaga’s use of the nearly identical logo on her album, tour, and merchandise—including T-shirts and sweatshirts—misleads consumers and causes “grave and irreparable damages” to the surf brand.

Lost International’s Legal Arguments

Lost International’s attorneys assert that despite sending a cease-and-desist notice to Lady Gaga and her team, the pop icon “failed and refused, and continues to fail and refuse, to cease her willful and blatant infringing on the registered mark and thus she must immediately be enjoined from this behavior.” The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction against Lady Gaga’s use of the logo and demands she hand over profits from her use of the mark.

The company’s complaint states:

“Defendants’ infringement of Lost’s mark and other unlawful conduct … has caused, and continues to cause, Lost grave and irreparable damages. The court must grant Lost all remedies that it seeks.”

Lady Gaga’s Response

Lady Gaga’s legal team has dismissed the lawsuit as opportunistic and baseless. Orin Snyder, Lady Gaga’s attorney, provided a statement to Fox News, saying:

“Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM soared to No. 1 and shattered records, a testament to her unmatched talent and global impact. It’s disappointing – but hardly surprising – that someone is now attempting to capitalize on her success with a baseless lawsuit over the name ‘Mayhem.’ This is nothing more than an opportunistic and meritless abuse of the legal system.”

Lady Gaga’s album, MAYHEM, released March 7, 2025, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with 219,000 equivalent album units, including 136,000 pure album sales and 80,500 from streaming, marking the biggest debut for a female artist in 2025. Lost International filed its lawsuit on March 25.

Industry Implications and Trademark Tips

Trademark disputes like this one are closely watched by professionals in print, promotional products, and branding. The outcome of the case, should it come to trial as Lost International requests, could provide important insights for other brands navigating similar issues.

Trademark attorney Derrick Davis advises:

“By entering prospective marks of interest in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), business owners can identify and eliminate highly similar marks from their shortlist, which ultimately saves time and money in any legal fees to be incurred.”

Recent high-profile trademark disputes include cases involving Penn State, Stanley drinkware, Yeti, and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, Trader Joe’s, and NBA star Victor Wembanyama, among many others.

Stay tuned as the legal drama unfolds between Lost International and Lady Gaga.