Sweden’s ABBA concludes the goal against the British band Abba Mania
Sweden’s legendary pop band ABBA has decided its action against a British band for using the name Abba Mania without its consent.
On December 3, ABBA sued in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, accusing Abba Mania’s bosses of “parasitic and vicious behavior” for exchanging their fame and goodwill and making fans believe that ABBA supported Abba Mania. It also accused the defendants of rejecting its claim to change its name and the website abbamania.com, or to use the “ABBA Tribute” in a way that would not confuse people.
ABBA rejected its lawsuit for trademark infringement with prejudice after a settlement was reached, according to a court report on Thursday. One of the band’s lawyers told Billboard that Abba Mania would stop using that name.
Lawyers for ABBA and Polar Music International AB, which handles the Group’s business affairs, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Corporate responsible for Abba Mania, Handshake Ltd. in Manchester, England, and TAL Entertainment Ltd. in Bicester, England, did not immediately respond to similar requests.
Abba Mania has marketed itself as “The Original Tribute from London’s West End!” Its website contains disclaimers that “Abba Mania is not (in) in any way associated, affiliated with or endorsed by Polar Music or ABBA.”
ABBA was founded in 1972 and has sold an estimated 385 million records, with songs such as “Waterloo”, “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All”. The group’s songs were the basis for a hit Broadway musical and two films.
In November, the group released their first new album in 40 years, “Voyage”, and are planning a stage show with digital avatars by the members that replicate their 1970s look.