The Baton Rouge publisher of 225 magazine has filed a federal service-mark infringement lawsuit against an obscure local gang reportedly identified as “The 225 Kings.”

The suit by Louisiana Business Inc. against the purported band of young criminals is assigned to U.S. District Judge James J. Brady.

The website UrbanDictionary.com lists The 225 Kings as a “small gang based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.” The site also notes they are “all white” and “known for their graffiti around the Oak Hills/Highland Road area (almost always a shadowy face with a crown and a 225 above).”

Julio Melara and Rolfe McCollister Jr., both of Baton Rouge, and New Orleans resident Mike Eckstein are registered with the Louisiana secretary of state as directors of LBI.

“The 225 Kings have promoted themselves and recruited new members under the 225 name,” LBI alleged in its suit.

LBI asks Brady for a permanent injunction prohibiting The 225 Kings from using the 225 trade and service marks. The publisher also asks for any proceeds the gang received as a result of criminal activity while using the 225 mark.

When asked for comment on the suit, an unidentified man who claimed to be a member of The 225 Kings replied, “Who the f—k is Rolfe McCollister?”

Tony Swartz
Red Shtick Magazine
http://www.redshtickmagazine.com/