The desire to prevent former bandmates from trading on past rock ‘n’ roll glory is driving two federal trademark cases, with current members of the bands Boston, and, separately, the J. Geils Band, trading bitter accusations with former members about who can claim the names.
The cases, in federal court in Boston, illustrate the disputes that arise when band members regroup and launch new tours 20 or 30 years after a band’s heyday. These fights can be highly emotional and involve long-nursed grudges, say attorneys who have represented parties in similar litigation.
