Grammy Award-winning pop star Stefani Germanotta – a.k.a. "Lady Gaga" – is suing Excite Worldwide LLC, a Nevada-based cosmetic company, over some "frivolous" trademark applications filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO") to register "Lady Gaga" and "Lady Gaga LG" for cosmetics and jewelry products. Gaga (who has been on a "litigious streak" since early 2011, when she took legal action against a London ice cream shop selling ice cream under the name "Baby Gaga") claims the applications could trick fans into thinking she's associated with Excite Worldwide. Moreover, the applications are allegedly interfering with Gaga's ability to develop her own range of products. However, Excite Worldwide's applications have not been approved by the PTO and perhaps never will. Gaga's suit seeks to block Excite Worldwide from using her name and also seeks unspecified damages.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.