C+C Music Factory Co-Founder Robert Clivillés Sues Freedom Williams for $30 Million, Alleging He Wrongfully Claimed Trademark Despite Never Being a Group Member
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- Robert Clivillés filed a $30 million lawsuit against Freedom Williams on August 14 in U.S. District Court, accusing him of trademark infringement, fraud, and defamation over unauthorized use of the C+C Music Factory name.
- Freedom Williams posted a profanity-laden video from a toilet in May 2026 while controlling the official C+C Music Factory social media account, using racial slurs and invoking Adolf Hitler, which Clivillés cited as a final provocation.
- Freedom Williams obtained a trademark for 'C&C Music Factory' in 2015 after falsely claiming sole ownership, despite Clivillés and the late David Cole being the group’s sole creators and Williams never being an official member.
- Robert Clivillés launched a competing Instagram account, cnc.musicfactory, to disavow Williams’ conduct and publicly demanded he stop misrepresenting his role in the group, calling his claims 'damned lies'.
- Freedom Williams released a new single titled 'Into the Future' under the C+C Music Factory name on June 12, escalating the conflict after Clivillés had warned him to cease using the brand.
- Clivillés and Cole's estate reached a formal agreement granting Clivillés exclusive rights to the C+C Music Factory name, contradicting Williams’ assertion of ownership and forming the legal basis for the suit.
Why it matters: Clivillés risks losing control of a legacy act he co-created if Williams’ trademark stands, while Williams faces $30 million in potential damages and reputational fallout from documented offensive statements tied to the brand. The case turns on whether a featured performer can legally claim ownership over a group name rooted in two producer-founders.
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