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South London clothing company allowed to keep name after US drops 'Brixton' lawsuit

by DD Staff

January 27, 2025

Pete Adams and Daniel O’Connell, whose main income comes from driving black cabs, spent £6,000 on legal costs to fight fo family-run Brixton Street Wear

key takeaways

After a US corporation withdrew a lawsuit over the use of "Brixton," a clothing company owned by two black brothers who drive cabs in London was permitted to maintain its name. The family-run Brixton Street Wear company's owners, Pete Adams and Daniel O'Connell, allege that about four years ago, the Californian company Brixton LLC reached out to them.

Brixton Street Wear was ordered to modify its name by the US company because it was too similar to theirs. South London residents Mr. Adams and Mr. O'Connell resisted the first order, but they were again asked to cease using the term Brixton in a rescinded legal letter last year.

However, according to the brothers, the conflict has been "resolved amicably" and they are free to keep their name and carry on with their business. According to Mr. Adams, 46, "It's a happy ending." Now we can unwind. The experience was tense. You aren't aware at the moment that your primary energy source is adrenaline. However, it feels nice to be smiling.

When the lawsuit was first filed, Mr Adams described it as frustrating - as Brixton LLC, based on the sunny West Coast, ostensibly has no affiliations with Brixton. He said previously: "There's lots of other apparel with Brixton on it and we don't oppose them. You shouldn't be allowed to trademark a geographical location.

"Their thing was, 'We will allow you to keep trading if you get rid of your trademark'. So we'd have to change our name. We're Brixton born and bred. The word Brixton belongs to the people."

He and his brother Mr O'Connell, 47, were also concerned that the legal battle would be costly - meaning they would no longer be able to afford to give back to the community. Now though, Brixton Street Wear has been able to continue trading, as the two companies have agreed to "co-exist" under certain guidelines.

This includes Brixton Street Wear tweaking its logo, not selling abroad, and explicitly stating on its website that it is not affiliated with Brixton LLC. Mr Adams and Mr O'Connell expressed their their gratitude towards the local community - who came to their aid when things got tough.

Mr Adams said: "We might be small but we’ve got a big community. And when we were in trouble people came and stood up for us - even donating their money. It made a huge difference."

The brothers, whose main income comes from driving black cabs, spent £6,000 on legal costs. Of this, £4,000 was donated by the local community via a GoFundMe. Mr Adams said: "We've got some leftover from the GoFundMe which we're going to use for future community projects. But honestly, just a huge thank you to the Brixton community. We're very grateful."

Brixton Street Wear is a clothing brand selling jumpers, t-shirts, caps, bucket hats, and shorts, with the brothers also regularly hosts free open mic and stand-up comedy nights for locals. They also frequently donate profits to community projects, mental health charities, and soup kitchens in their area.