With the recent announcement of former K-pop girl group NewJeans rebranding as NJZ in hopes of a fresh start, new drama has emerged as their former agency, ADOR, stated that the contract termination was merely the members’ assertion.
Despite the ongoing tension between the group and the company, NJZ stands firm in using the name, implying that they have no intention of returning to the agency. However, reports indicate that their exclusive contract remains in effect.
Legal experts are raising concerns about the group’s safety and future, highlighting the potential legal risks they may face due to their independent activities.
According to Attorney Ko Sang Rok, ADOR owns the trademark for “NewJeans.” Even if the members believe their contract was terminated after their press conference, this does not grant them legal rights to the trademark. He emphasized that using similar names, abbreviations, or variations could constitute infringement and lead to public confusion.
On the other hand, Attorneys Jin Bo Ra and Jung Jong Chae stated that if the law determines the contract between the group and the company is still valid, the members could face severe financial penalties for breaching their exclusive agreement. Their ongoing independent activities may also make them liable for additional penalties. Furthermore, if ADOR incurs any damages, the group could be held responsible for compensation.
Fans worldwide have taken a stand, asserting that NJZ should now be considered independent artists.
As NJZ prepares for a fresh comeback with their performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong this March, the hearing for ADOR’s lawsuit to confirm the validity of NewJeans’ exclusive contracts is set for April 3.
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