Amazon Sued by Drunk Shakespeare Over Trademark Infringement in Prime Video Series

Drunk Shakespeare Productions has filed a federal lawsuit against Amazon over allegations that Prime Video's Off Campus series infringed on their trademark and trade dress rights. The company claims that the show used their name and signature elements without authorization, causing consumer confusion.

The suit centers around the fourth episode of Off Campus' first season, 'The Breakup', which features a performance called 'Drunk Shakespeare'. Brass Jar alleges that this is not incidental dialogue but rather use of their mark as a trademark. The company points out six spoken references to 'Drunk Shakespeare' in the episode and notes that Amazon's own episode summary on Prime Video and IMDb describes the scene as taking place at 'Drunk Shakespeare.'

The lawsuit extends beyond the episode itself, citing social media posts and promotional materials that further blur the lines between Off Campus and Drunk Shakespeare. Brass Jar argues that this has caused both classic confusion and 'reverse confusion', where consumers associate the name with Amazon rather than the original company.

Brass Jar is seeking a permanent injunction against Amazon, disgorgement of profits, actual damages, and treble or statutory damages under the Lanham Act. The suit also brings trade dress claims, alleging that Off Campus copied signature elements of Drunk Shakespeare's venues, including a bar built into the space and plush leather furniture.