Overview
- U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff ruled on August 18, 2026 that The Twigs’ trademark infringement claims are time‑barred under laches, which prevents unfairly delayed legal action that harms a defendant.
- Rakoff noted the band knew of Barnett’s use of the name as early as 2013 and had sued in 2014, but did not press new legal action until 2024 and filed the present claims in 2026.
- The judge explained that laches does not apply when a plaintiff proves intentional trademark theft, but he found the current pleadings do not support an inference that Barnett sought to create consumer confusion.
- Court filings show Barnett offered the duo $15,000 for name coexistence, the offer was rejected, and the record includes allegations the band later sent cease‑and‑desist letters and sought a seven‑figure payment; those factual disputes remain unresolved.
- The ruling is a procedural win that prevents infringement exposure for Barnett at this stage, but other claims, counterclaims or appeals could still be litigated and the broader dispute has not been finally decided.