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Defamation & Trademark Disputes Take Center Stage
Two recent lawsuits highlight how high-profile figures and institutions are pushing back—one claiming defamation, the other protecting brand identity. A U.S. Navy veteran wins against CNN but loses his suit against AP and others; in a separate case, Neil Young is challenged by a fashion brand over his band’s name. Both cases raise tough questions for the media, artists, and how law navigates reputation and branding.
ChaseLawyers Newsletter
September 17, 2025
Hi there,
This edition dives into two legal fights that are more than just high-profile court cases—they test limits of speech, reputation, and trademarks. First, Zachary Young, a Navy veteran who previously won a defamation case against CNN, finds his follow-ups slipping through: a judge dismissed his lawsuits against the Associated Press and Puck. Then, rock legend Neil Young (yes, same last name, but different person) is facing a trademark claim from the luxury label Chrome Hearts over his new band’s name. These disputes illustrate how even when someone wins one battle, other fronts remain. And when brand power meets public identity, the stakes—and confusion—only grow.
Veteran’s Suit vs. AP Loses Steam After Big Win Against CNN
Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, won a jury verdict against CNN in January over a 2021 story that suggested he profited illegally by helping Afghans flee after the Taliban takeover—a claim he said was false and damaging. Following that verdict, Young sued the Associated Press and Puck for similar defamation claims, particularly over articles that used terms like “smuggle” and “black market” in ways he says implied criminal conduct. Recently, a Florida judge dismissed Young’s cases against AP and Puck. In his dismissal order, the judge likened repeated suits to film sequels that “should not be made,” saying these follow-up claims don’t hold up under law and fact.
Neil Young’s Band Sued by Fashion Label Over Shared Name
Neil Young’s new backing band, called Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, released its debut album in June and has been performing under that name while selling merchandise. But Chrome Hearts, the Los Angeles fashion brand known for its luxury jewelry, apparel, and high-end collaborations, alleges that Young’s band name and merch are causing confusion among consumers, some of whom believe there is an affiliation with the fashion brand. The company holds federally registered trademarks for “CHROME HEARTS®” (including word marks and composite designs) dating back to the early 1990s. Chrome Hearts claims that despite notifying Young’s team in July, the band kept using the name. The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief to force them to stop using “Chrome Hearts” and monetary damages.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
 AP Beats Defamation Lawsuit from U.S. Navy Veteran Who Was Awarded $5 Million in CNN Case |  Neil Young hit with trademark lawsuit over band name Chrome Hearts The trademark-owner Chrome Hearts alleges that the band name “Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts” infringes on its established marks and causes consumer confusion. |
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 | Barry Oliver Chase Barry Chase, Esq. is an honors graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, and the founding partner of ChaseLawyers®. In addition to his entertainment attorney legal practice, Mr. Chase lectures regularly on the representation of media personalities, the legal “do’s and don’ts” of music, television, and film production, and the intricacies of film rights option agreements. |
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