P. Diddy Defends|His Macho Cologne

MANHATTAN (CN) - Sean John Combs/"P. Diddy" insists his use of the phrase "I Am King" on his fragrances does not violate Danica Aromatics' "I Am" trademark. The hip-hop entrepreneur claims that "the 'James Bond' mogul-like impression" created by his scents and marketing stands in stark contrast to Danica's "niche product" which "focuses on spirituality."

"Sean Jean Fragrances(,) has spent approximately $9 million to advertise and promote" the new cologne, the company says in its federal complaint.

Sean John dismisses its competitor's line as "a niche product with minimal market share or exposure. The product line ... focuses on spirituality. This message is in stark contrast to the 'James Bond' mogul-like impression created by the marketing for" his own scents.

To buttress this argument, the complaint points out that Danica's variations of its "I Am" phrase include "passion, wild, rich, love, real, peace" - which are "intended to be 'a fragrance reminder of [the purchaser's] chosen personal path.'"

As opposed to James Bond.

Sean Jean is represented by Barbara Solomon with Fross Zelnick & Lehrman.

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