Screaming O Reaches Settlement With Ringo Starr Over 'RingO' Penis Rings

Screaming O Reaches Settlement With Ringo Starr Over 'RingO' Penis Rings

LONDON — Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has reportedly dropped a U.S. trademark case against Screaming O’s parent companies Pacific Holdings and Momentum Management over their RingO penis rings, after a settlement was reached. 

Pacific Holdings and Momentum Management have agreed to "avoid any activity likely to lead to confusion" between the penis rings and the musician, to add a space between "Ring" and "O," and to use the name only for adult sex aids and desensitizing sprays.

Starr had “challenged the RingO trademark, saying it's too similar to his name and might cause confusion,” the BBC reported today.

Starr’s lawyers argued that “his reputation would be damaged if the RingO name was registered as a trademark with US authorities,” but according to the BBC, Starr “has now withdrawn his complaint after reaching an agreement with the manufacturers.”

Starr’s complaint claimed that the penis ring’s name was "identical in appearance, sound, connotation and pronunciation" to his long-trademarked performing name. Starr’s birth name is Richard Starkey but since his earliest days as a professional musician in Liverpool in the early 1960s he has been known as “Ringo,” because of his penchant for drumming while wearing flashy rings.

Starr was an in-demand local young musician in the summer of 1962, when he was invited to join The Beatles as a replacement for their original drummer, Pete Best.

Starr’s lawyers claimed that consumers “will likely believe that Opposer's [Starr's] newest venture is sex toys — and this is an association that Opposer does not want,” adding that their client "wants nothing to do with the goods” because the association could tarnish his "name, likeness and brand.”

The BBC reports that “the companies have pledged not to ‘degrade, tarnish or deprecate or disparage’ Starr's name or image. They also said they wouldn't make any reference or innuendo associating the product with Starr, or give the impression that he's associated with it.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

BasisDx Adds Expedited Results Option for 'Pro13' Home Testing Kit

PASS-certified home testing kit provider BasisDx has added a new option for expedited test results for its Pro13 kit.

Kiiroo, Pineapple Support Launch 'Empower Hour' Series on FeelHubX YouTube Channel

Kiiroo and Pineapple Support have teamed up to launch the “Empower Hour” series on the FeelHubX YouTube channel.

Orion Debuts 'Suck-O-Mat 3' Masturbator

Orion Wholesale has introduced the third edition of its Suck-O-Mat masturbator.

Biird Debuts 'Ohwii' Glass Dildo

Biird has introduced Ohwii, its new double-ended glass dildo.

Sportsheets Releases New Training Video for 'Edge' Line

Sportsheets has released its latest training video, titled "Edge Product Training," the third in a series hosted by Brand Ambassador Rin Musick.

Exsens Marks Its 10th Anniversary

Intimate wellness and body care brand Exsens is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

Honey Play Box Debuts 'Trill' Vibrator

Honey Play Box has debuted its new Trill app-controlled vibrator, which joins Melody and Elektra in the company's Kegel toy collection.

Osuga Debuts 'Flow' Vibrator

Pleasure brand Osuga has introduced its new Flow vibrator.

Orion Unveils 6 New Styles From 'Black Level' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced six new styles from its Black Level line.

AllYourDolls Releases 'Transgender and Animal Furry' Lines

AllYourDolls has debuted their new Transgender and Animal Furry lines of sex dolls.

Show More