Toronto vs Everybody: A Trademark Dispute

A trademark dispute has arisen between the owners of Detroit vs Everybody, a registered US trademark, and Toronto vs Everybody, a Canadian trademark registered by an Ontario based corporation named Peace and Love Collective.

Tommey Walker Jr, owner of the Detroit vs Everybody mark, established a successful clothing line and brand that has resonated with people in Detroit and inspired a song by Eminem and other notable artists.  The Detroit vs Everybody trademark was filed in the US on October 26, 2012, whereas the Toronto vs. Everybody mark was first used in Canada on May 1, 2014, and was later registered in Canada on September 10, 2015.  Peace and Love Collective founder Yanel Dhailieh indicated in an interview with the Toronto Star, that the inspiration for Toronto vs Everybody arose during the Toronto Raptors playoff run in 2014, which he believed was a good way of representing Toronto.

After learning of the Toronto vs Everybody brand, Tommey Walker Jr. sent a demand letter requesting that the Peace and Love Collective cease all use of the trademark.  Mr Dhailieh’s lawyer responded by noting that all rights to the use of the trademark TORONTO VS EVERYBODY in Canada have been reserved by Mr Dhailieh.  The parties have now stated that they are seeking to resolve the dispute privately.