Kanye West’s mega-brands Yeezy LLC and Yeezy Apparel LLC are legally going after a former intern for allegedly violating non-disclosure agreements, including alleged unauthorized use and disclosure of confidential information, and materials unlawfully obtained while working for the company.
According to a newly filed document, obtained by The Blast, Ryan Inwards was an intern at Yeezy Apparel LLC around February 2020 until the summer of 2020. Yeezy claims in connection with his internship, Inwards entered into written and binding non-disclosure agreements which prohibits Inwards from disclosing, disseminating, or posting any confidential information on any social media sites or platforms.
Yeezy has now submitted claims of breach of contract and conversion against their former intern.
The company claims the agreements contain fully enforceable liquidated damages provisions, stating Inwards would be on the hook for $500,000 if the agreements were breached. Yeezy claims Inwards posted unauthorized, non-public photographs and images on social media sites, including Instagram, without their consent.
Inwards allegedly received cease and desist letters from Yeezy, however, the former intern is accused of continuing to publicly post the unauthorized photos on social media sites.
Yeezy now claims they have been irreparably harmed by Inwards’ material breaches of the non-disclosure agreements. So much so, they are seeking at least a half of a million dollars from Inwards for his purported violation.
Yeezy claims Inwards’ conduct allegedly was intended to interfere with their property rights and interest by “knowingly and intentionally taking possession of unauthorized materials” without Yeezy’s permission. The fashion brand is demanding that any and all unauthorized materials in Inwards’ possession be destroyed immediately.
It’s important to protect creative content, especially when A-list celebrities are involved. Kanye has battled over his brand Yeezy in the past, and as we previously reported, he was accused of ripping off a Japanese fabric company for hundreds of thousands of dollars over Yeezy shoes. Yeezy has since settled that dispute, but they are no exception when it comes to protecting their ideas and overall brand.
Ye not only has his business empire to worry about, but his marriage has also allegedly been on the rocks. Following his Presidential run, Kanye’s health and family life became sources of several headlines in the media, and it’s been reported that Kanye’s behavior has become a concern with friends and family.
There are multiple reports that the marriage has been on the rocks for quite some time, and the famous couple has even sought out marriage counseling, but a looming divorce still hangs over Kim & Kanye.
