Ozzy Osbourne sues in NYC over Black Sabbath name

NEW YORK (AP) — Ozzy Osbourne has accused former Black Sabbath band mate Tony Iommi (eye-OH'-mee) in a New York City court of taking over the heavy metal titans' name and costing him royalties from merchandise sales.

Osbourne sued the guitarist earlier this week and issued a statement Friday imploring him to "do the right thing."

Osbourne filed suit Tuesday in a federal court in New York. The suit says Iommi falsely claimed to have sole rights to Black Sabbath's trademark in recent negotiations with a company that sells the band's merchandise.

Lawyers who have represented Iommi haven't responded to telephone and e-mail messages seeking comment. But Iommi noted in a separate lawsuit against the merchandise firm that he's been the only constant member in the 40-year history of the band, known for such hits as "Iron Man."

Published 5/29/09 by


AP Recording News

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  • Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Tony Iommi together are the rock legend Black Sabbath. Tony "Baloney" (years later known as 'Only I Own-i' and pssst...if you don't like it go fxxx yourself) Iommi isn't the only one who should benefit...
    Anonymous 6/1/09 Reply