US producer-rapper Pharrell Williams has commenced legal proceedings against will.i.am over a the phase “i.am”.  Williams, who owns the YouTube channel “i am OTHER”, has said that the Black Eyed Peas front man is adamant his use of the phase infringes the “i.am” trade mark.

will.i.am has owned the trade mark since 2001, and uses it for organisations like his “i.am.angel” foundation.  Williams filed legal papers on Monday, insisting that his website uses the phase “i am” differently to will.i.am.

The case continues.

Carla MacLachlan