Jay-Z wins case against David Ortiz

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Recently, Jay-Z was able to celebrate another victory in the business arena. However, this time around, he did not land another multi-million dollar deal. Instead, he ended a trademark dispute involving his famous club, 40/40.

In 2003, Jay-Z became the first rapper to launch an upscale nightclub, which he named the 40/40 Club. The sports bar was located in Manhattan. Immediately, the club built a large following with celebrity guests.

Because of Jay-Z's NBA connections, many of the top stars in the league, such as LeBron James, often visit the club. Sports stars from other leagues also frequent the club. David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox has been among the baseball stars spotted at the 40/40.

Despite being well aware of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club, David Ortiz launched his own club, of the same name, in his native country, Dominican Republic. Ever since late 2009, Jay-Z and Ortiz have been in court battling over the name. Ortiz has frequently stated he had no idea Jay-Z's club was also named 40/40. The near two-year beef was settled when Jay-Z's lawyer contacted Ortiz and said a deal was made, in principle.

Initially, the two titans were to face off in court.

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Jay-Z settles lawsuit with Red Sox' David Ortiz

Earlier this year, David Ortiz made news outside of ESPN. In his native Dominican Republic, Ortiz opened a club named the Forty Forty. Jay-Z runs a string of nightclubs named the 40/40. Because of the name infringement, Jay-Z filed a suit against the baseball star. Despite being a frequent visitor of the 40/40, Ortiz claimed to not know he had taken the name.

Regardless of what he knew, Jay-Z knew the 40/40 named belonged to him and it did not matter how it was spelled. Their issue has been in the news for some time. But, the issue did not make headlines until earlier this year. David Ortiz was willing to go to court with Jay-Z, until he realized he was going to lose the case. A settlement was soon reached outside of court.

Jay-Z was awarded $5 million in the suit and Ortiz has agreed to change the name and cease operations. Additionally, he also decided to pull the website for his club from the internet. Jay-Z named the club after a record set by the New York Yankees. Ortiz is the star for their primary rival, Boston Red Sox.

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Jay-Z vs. David Ortiz over 40/40 Club

During the summer of 2003, Jay-Z expanded his business interests from simply music and clothing into the nightclub scene. The club has become a staple in his music. On his "retirement" album, Jay rapped multiple times about the club. It has become a hot spot for other rappers.

In the seven years since the launch of the 40/40 Club, the name has become very popular. Once the name became a marketable brand, Jay-Z licensed it. This licensing was not limited to the United States. The 40/40 name is controlled by Jay-Z. MLB star, David Ortiz, ignored this when he opened his own 40/40 Club.

Perhaps because it is in the Dominican Republic, Ortiz felt that he could get away with doing it. Despite what he may have felt, Jay-Z has stopped his plans right in their tracks. Jay has filed a lawsuit saying that Ortiz is looking to capitalize off of the 40/40 name. Oritiz often visits the club, so he knows that the name exists.

Neither Jay-Z nor David Ortiz has spoken on the club issue or the lawsuit.

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