Metallica Trademark Infringement Lawsuit: Schedule A Case No. 1:26-cv-12041
Metallica Files a Federal Trademark Lawsuit on September 30, 2026, in the Northern District of Illinois – Band Merchandise, Trademark Infringement Claims, Amended Complaint, and Docket Updates
Metallica filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit on September 30, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The lawsuit concerns alleged infringement of trademark rights associated with Metallica, the internationally recognized heavy metal band known for its distinctive name, logos, and licensed merchandise.
The lawsuit initially identified defendants through Schedule A, a format commonly used in intellectual property enforcement actions involving multiple online sellers and e-commerce businesses.
Court records subsequently show that Metallica amended its complaint on October 6, 2026, naming a specific defendant, lemonateshop, in place of the original Schedule A defendants.
The particular trademarks, accused merchandise, and alleged infringing activities involved in this action should be confirmed through the complaint and supporting exhibits.
This is a separate proceeding from Metallica's other 2026 trademark lawsuits, including Case No. 1:26-cv-12258, filed October 6, 2026.
Case Information
Plaintiff: Metallica
Original Defendants: The Partnerships and Unincorporated Associations Identified on Schedule A
Defendant Named in Amended Complaint: lemonateshop
Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Case No.: 1:26-cv-12041
Date Filed: September 30, 2026
Presiding Judge: Hon. Sunil R. Harjani
Nature of Action: Trademark Infringement – 15 U.S.C. § 1114 (Lanham Act)
Brand at Issue: Metallica
Plaintiff's Counsel: Martin Francis Trainor and associated counsel
Case Update: On September 30, 2026, Metallica filed its federal trademark infringement complaint with four supporting exhibits. The plaintiff also submitted Schedule A and an additional multipart exhibit under seal.
Metallica filed a motion requesting permission to submit certain documents under seal, together with a Notice of Claims Involving Trademarks and related administrative filings.
On October 1, 2026, the case was assigned to Judge Sunil R. Harjani. The court also transmitted the trademark claim report to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
On October 6, 2026, Metallica filed an amended complaint naming lemonateshop as defendant. The docket reflects the removal of the original Schedule A defendants from the case caption.
That same day, Metallica withdrew its earlier motion for leave to file certain documents under seal.
The accessible records do not establish whether the plaintiff subsequently requested or obtained temporary injunctive relief, whether additional defendants were identified, or whether the lawsuit has reached a final disposition.
About the Plaintiff
Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield.
The band is recognized internationally for its contributions to heavy metal music, particularly through albums such as Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, ...And Justice for All, and Metallica, commonly known as The Black Album.
Over the course of its career, Metallica has developed a recognizable brand identity incorporating its distinctive band name, stylized lettering, album artwork, and imagery associated with its music and performances.
Metallica's branding appears across officially licensed merchandise, including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, posters, accessories, collectibles, and other consumer products.
The band has also developed an extensive commercial presence through live performances, music recordings, official merchandise, and related licensing activities.
Through this lawsuit, Metallica asserts trademark rights against a defendant allegedly involved in unauthorized commercial use of protected branding.
The specific trademark registrations, ownership interests, and allegedly infringing products should be verified through the complaint and supporting evidence.
Monitor the Case
Public case information for Metallica v. The Partnerships and Unincorporated Associations Identified on Schedule A, subsequently amended to name lemonateshop, Case No. 1:26-cv-12041, is available through PacerMonitor.
PacerMonitor provides access to federal court case information, although certain documents and features may require registration or payment. Court filings and case status may change over time.
The October 6 amendment changed the named defendant. That procedural change does not, by itself, establish that the entire lawsuit was dismissed or resolved.
The allegations are claims made by the plaintiff and do not, by themselves, establish liability.
Named in a Schedule A Lawsuit?
If your online store or business has been identified as a defendant in a Schedule A lawsuit, Rotek Law can assist in reviewing the allegations, evaluating potential legal options, and discussing possible resolutions.
Our team can help you understand the claims against your business and determine appropriate next steps. You may also explore our legal services for more information about our intellectual property practice.
Contact Us: +1 (305) 731-2593 Email: info@roteklaw.com
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Disclaimer
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Case information may change as court proceedings develop. Readers should verify current case details through official court records. Viewing this page or contacting Rotek Law does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
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