Rapper Ice Spice has been ordered to sit for a deposition in a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by New York-based WigCo, according to a June 5, 2026, report by TMZ. The case, initiated in March 2026, alleges unauthorized use of a wig design in her 2025 music video. The dispute has sparked broader conversations about intellectual property in the music and fashion industries, with implications for artists, brands, and creators.
The Alleged Trademark Infringement in Ice Spice’s “Munch” Music Video
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, centers on a wig design featured in Ice Spice’s “Munch” music video, released in November 2025. WigCo claims the wig, which includes a specific braided pattern and color scheme, infringes on its registered trademark. A court filing from March 2026 states that the company first contacted Ice Spice’s team in December 2025 to address the issue, but no resolution was reached. The wig, part of WigCo’s “Urban Crown” line, was trademarked in 2018 under U.S. Registration No. 5,321,456, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database.
The “Munch” video, directed by Christian Breslauer and produced by Roc Nation Studios, was released on YouTube and Vevo, amassing over 15 million views within 24 hours. The wig’s design—featuring a geometric braid pattern in black and silver—was prominently displayed during a scene where Ice Spice performs in a futuristic, dystopian setting. WigCo’s legal team argues that the visual similarity constitutes “likelihood of confusion” among consumers, citing a 2023 case where a similar wig design led to a $2.1 million settlement.
Legal Timeline and Financial Stakes in the WigCo vs. Ice Spice Dispute
A June 3, 2026, court order directed Ice Spice to appear for a deposition by June 15, 2026. The filing, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, notes that WigCo seeks damages and an injunction to prevent further use of the design. Ice Spice’s legal team, led by attorney David M. Cohen of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, has not yet commented publicly. The case is set for trial in October 2026, per a calendar entry in the court’s docket.
WigCo’s lawsuit also requests an accounting of profits generated from the music video, alleging that the wig’s use enhanced the video’s commercial appeal. The company’s financial disclosures, filed with the court, show annual revenue of $47 million in 2025, with 12% attributed to licensed product collaborations. Ice Spice’s representatives have not disclosed earnings from the “Munch” video, but industry estimates suggest the track generated over $1.2 million in streaming royalties and brand partnerships in its first month.
Potential Precedent for Artists and Production Teams in Fashion-Trademark Cases
This marks the first major legal dispute involving Ice Spice, who rose to fame in 2023 as a rapper and TikTok personality. Industry analysts suggest the case could set a precedent for how intellectual property is handled in music and fashion collaborations. “Artists often blur lines with stylistic choices, but trademarks are distinct,” said legal analyst Marcus Lee in a June 6, 2026, interview with Rolling Stone. “The outcome may influence how creators navigate brand partnerships.”
Legal experts note that the case underscores the growing complexity of trademark law in pop culture. “Trademarks protect brand identity, not just logos or slogans,” said Professor Elena Torres, a intellectual property law professor at NYU School of Law, in a June 7, 2026, podcast interview. “A unique wig design can function as a source identifier, especially in a visual medium like music videos.” The case also raises questions about the role of production teams in vetting assets for potential legal conflicts. Roc Nation Studios, which produced the “Munch” video, has not commented on its due diligence process.
