[NB] 2NE1 had to keep Coachella reunion a secret due to legal ramifications with YG for name usage

[My Everything]

Article: "Needed YG's permission" The reason 2NE1 appeared at Coachella in secrecy

Source: The Joongang via Naver

1. [+205, -15] I'm sure it's unfortunate for the idols but the agency is right in this case. These legal issues wouldn't arise if the artists produced all of their own music but how many K-Pop idols actually do? They're all trained by their agencies, put together by them, and marketed by them. If they want to head separate ways independently, then they need to give up the name too. It's not like agencies are able to use the names HOT or 2NE1 anymore anyway but it's still unfair for the group to just take the name whenever they want and use it publicly like this. There should be legal conditions like having to pay a fee to use it or buying it back altogether.

2. [+104, -6] I think the agency has more rights when it comes to the name... since these stars were made by them

3. [+79, -5] I really liked 2NE1.. right, Hyun Suk hyung?

4. [+34, -2] On the contrary, I think agencies can let these things slide considering how much these idols have made for them monetarily

5. [+32, -6] I still don't understand why 2NE1 was suddenly disbanded...

6. [+25, -0] Unless YG intends to continue using the 2NE1 name in the same way, they should just give it to them. It's not like they're going to add new members to continue the name or anything.

7. [+20, -0] Whatever the case, it's not like YG's using the 2NE1 name for anything so there's no point in getting into a legal tussle over it, right?

8. [+14, -3] I don't think it's fair to compare idol names to commercial products. You can put a commercial label on other things but you can't put an idol group's name on another group of members. If YG were to get together four new trainees and call them 2NE1, who would believe them? It doesn't matter how much work the agency put into creating the group because they no longer are able to use this name anywhere else without them. YG or SM will not be able to call any other group 2NE1 or HOT. Who do you think of when you think of 2NE1? You think of these four members. Therefore, the name should belong to them.

9. [+11, -0] Would be nice if they could just handle this for a decent cost and just transfer the name over. Not like YG is going to use it anywhere else and it makes their image look bad by keeping them from using it like this.

10. [+11, -1] Come to think of it, JYP has never had issues like this. Not sure why agencies even want to hold on to the names considering they can't even debut other people under them again. It's just another ploy to keep idols tied down under their control...

Source

[Mystic]

Seems stupid to keep monopoly of the name of a group that they treated like hot garbage. I say give it to them 

Edited May 9, 2022 by Mystic

[thrutkk]

I agree with the first comment.

They're all trained by their agencies, put together by them, and marketed by them.

although the agency will not use that name for other trainees but agencies  gave and promoted that name.

if members want the name they have to buy it.

 

Edit : ¹ it's not just about 2NE1. ²see how gfriend and beast now.  in the end the name doesn't really matter. If you're confident in your abilities, it's okay to use any name. Right? 

 

Edited May 9, 2022 by thrutkk

[Jikrytae]

4 hours ago, thrutkk said:

I agree with the first comment.

They're all trained by their agencies, put together by them, and marketed by them.

although the agency will not use that name for other trainees but agencies  gave and promoted that name.

if members want the name they have to buy it.

No, they don't.

 

EDIT: Not sure what you company stans get out of clowning me, but there is objectively a legal precedent set for Korean performers being granted the right to continue using their group name, whether their former company or you corporate shills like it or not. Say thank you to T-ara, everyone. 

Edited May 9, 2022 by Jikrytae

[Angel_Nessa]

a group is a product that a company created from the ground.

Honestly, some of the idols would have never been able to become idols without the companies pushing them to be one.

I think artists should be free to move to a different company, but when it comes to groups, the company has the rights over the name and the songs. 

[Winter Bear]

I hate YGE but they have every right to keep the name after a group disbands. If former members really want to perform together, pick a new name and publicise it, it’s not like fans won’t follow but trying to skirt legal rights ain’t it.

[Shalnark]

The real problem is when they trademark idols stage names tbh.

[Poetry]

Idol groups are different than bands which form inside garages.  The intellectual property belongs to the producers of the idol group, not the performers under the group name.  The group name itself is intellectual property.

[himi]

i hate yge and what they did to 2ne1 but some of yall need to learn some things about trademark and intellectual property. 

[Aegyo]

I hope there won't be a need to drag it into a legal situation,, it is kind pretty clear that YGE has no intentions to use 2ne1's trademark for anything..not even investing in a reunion for once in a lifetime..

I know they rightfully own the group but c'mon..it's time to just give it to them, i know 2ne1 owes the company for making the group, but it's about fair to say that YGE owes the ladies too for their handwork, commitment and achievements. They are the fking blueprint for the the next generations of their girl groups. 

[namidaone]

So YG allows covers of 2NE1 songs on tv shows like Mix & Match, Mixnine, My Teenage Girl and Mama the Idol, 
allows (if not actively initiates) media coverage about YG groups/ex-trainees considered as "Future 2NE1" "2NE1 successors" "2NE1 replacements" 
but when all members reunite to perform it once on an overseas festival it has to be top-secret?  
Like i've always ranted abt how YG was so possessive that the chances of a non-YG group's debut/comeback is almost zero if one of the members is a YG trainee or a transferee. 
But this Coachella issue takes it to a whole new level. 

Also i disagree with comment #1  
YG had 2 ggs before 2NE1 - SwiT and Big Mama,
and yet it was only 2NE1 who became the 1st YG gg to achieve mainstream popularity, even considered as rivals of the top gg at the time Girls Generation at one point.   
If 2NE1 didn't have all those music show wins, the rookie of the year award, and a daesang, 
YG would have stayed as a one-hit-wonder company known for mostly for Bigbang and some rnb/hiphop artists until Psy's Gangnam style became a global hit
So saying that 2NE1 owes their name "all to YG" without acknowledging the members contribution is just hyperbole bordering on misinfo. 

[minhoe]

they owe their success and fortune to yg, this is too disrespectful sorry

Edited May 9, 2022 by minhoe