C+C Music Factory Founder Sues Freedom Williams in $30 Million Trademark Lawsuit
A co-founder of the 1990s dance act C+C Music Factory has filed a federal lawsuit against a former featured artist, seeking $30 million and an end to what he characterizes as unauthorized trademark exploitation. Robert Clivillés, who created the group with David Cole in 1990, alleges that Fredrick "Freedom" Williams has been performing and collecting fees under the C+C Music Factory name without permission since 1996, years after his contractual relationship with the project ended.
The dispute hinges on Williams's status within the group. Clivillés argues that Williams was engaged as a guest vocalist for specific recordings—including the hit "Gonna Make You Sweat"—under a production contract that expired in 1992, rather than as a member or co-owner. The lawsuit alleges that Williams subsequently began performing under the name worldwide, earning five to ten thousand dollars per show, and obtained fraudulent trademark registrations. Clivillés characterizes C+C Music Factory as a producer-driven venture featuring rotating artists, similar to projects associated with figures like David Guetta and Giorgio Moroder.
- Robert Clivillés, co-founder of C+C Music Factory, sued former featured artist Fredrick "Freedom" Williams for $30 million, alleging unauthorized use of the group's trademarked name since 1996
- Williams performed on 1990s hits but held only a production contract as a featured vocalist, ending in 1992; he allegedly began using the name independently and registered fraudulent trademarks
- Clivillés seeks damages and an injunction to cease Williams's performances under the brand, arguing the group was designed as a producer-driven project with rotating guest artists