Coachella Hits Locals Behind 'Moechella' With Trademark Suit

Two local creatives Justin 'Yadiyya' Johnson and Kelyse Adams are being sued by the reputable festival Coachella for trademark infrigement. The lawsuit, filed February 1st, reads that Moechella creators are "intentionally trading on the goodwill" of the Coachella trademark. These allegations were made specifically due to the name Moechella and the styling of its logo.

Johnson told multiple outlets he did attempt to trademark the name Moechella back in 2021, in fact. Coachella's legal team then moved to oppose the application which resulted in Johnson withdrawing shortly after. Festival's lawyers also reference the shooting that took place after a Moechella event, leaving a 15 year-old slain. The festival's lawyers worry that any association between itself and the DC event may end in "reputational harm".

DCist.com reported that Coachella is seeking all: a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction against any promotions; or marketing activity using the current Moechella name and marks, and any future attempts to trademark the name. They also seek monetary reliefs, though the event is free and its main purpose was simply protest.

Justin and "LongLiveGoGo D.C." executive director Kelsye Adams organized Moechella with one main goal in mind; To protest gentrification and new community rules stemming from non-blacks taking over predominantly black areas all over the District.

According to Fox 5 News, Justin initially complied to refrain from using the name for events but later retracted the statement expressing his feelings of needing to rise against the suit for the DC culture. Justin also shared with Fox 5 News that instead of Coachella warranting a name change, they should find a way to partner with Moechella in peacefully bringing awareness to not only gentrification, but Go-Go music as well. Here is the official quote: "With a platform like Coachella you could truly uplift not only go-go music but the city of Washington D.C.".