Condé Nast claimed that the musicians’ advertising campaign, including to their more than 135 million social media followers, was built “entirely” on the unauthorized use of Vogue trademarks and false claims that they would appear on the next Vogue cover, and with the “love and support” of the magazine’s longtime editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. “All this is false. And none of it has been approved by Conde Nast,” said a complaint filed Monday night in Manhattan federal court. Condé Nast said the defendants also created a counterfeit Vogue issue that was distributed in major metropolitan areas, accompanied by posters that mimicked the Vogue layout. He said the result was “undeniable” confusion among the public, including the media touting Drake and 21 Savage as Vogue’s “new cover stars.” Larry Stein, an attorney for the defendants, declined an immediate comment Tuesday, not yet reviewing the complaint. Condé Nast, also known as Advance Magazine Publishers Inc, is seeking at least $4m (£3.5m) in damages, or three times the defendants’ profits from their album and “fake” magazine. It also wants punitive damages and an end to all trademark infringement. Her Loss has received mixed reviews since its November 4 release. Condé Nast said it had tried repeatedly since Oct. 31 to resolve its differences with Drake, of Toronto, and 21 Savage, of Atlanta. “[The] Defendants’ reckless disregard for Condé Nast’s rights left it no choice but to initiate this action,” it said.
