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Rick Ross Rap Name Protected Under First Amendment

Posted on December 31st, 2013
by
Staff Editor


Rick-Ross-Suit-Karen-CivilRick Ross will not have to find a new rap name as the self-proclaimed bawse is no longer facing charges, according to a California appeals court.

Drug kingpin “Freeway” Ricky Ross sued Rozay for appropriating his name and likeness back in 2010. The Teflon Don sidestepped those allegations as the presiding judge found “Freeway” Ross’ claims to be untimely. Last week, Judge Roger Boren ruled against “Freeway” Ross’ latest allegations against the rapper which claims his latest work with a new label should be considered as part of the same “single publication” as his earlier work, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

“We recognize that Roberts’ work—his music and persona as a rap musician—relies to some extent on plaintiff’s name and persona,” wrote Judge Boren. “Roberts chose to use the name ‘Rick Ross.’ He raps about trafficking in cocaine and brags about his wealth. These were ‘raw materials’ from which Roberts’ music career was synthesized. But these are not the ‘very sum and substance’ of Roberts’ work.”

Judge Boren concluded that the Mastermind’s persona is entitled to the same protection as afforded by the First Amendment.

 

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