Brass Jar Sued Amazon Over Trademark Infringement
The theatrical production company alleges Amazon used its trademarks in the Prime Video series Off Campus.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Marketing
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Brass Jar filed a lawsuit against Amazon on September 17, 2026, alleging the unauthorized use of its Drunk Shakespeare brand in a Prime Video series. The company claims the inclusion of its trademark in the show Off Campus has led to consumer confusion.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on claims of consumer confusion regarding the source and sponsorship of the streaming series. Brass Jar is seeking significant financial damages for the alleged infringement of its intellectual property.
Brass Jar is seeking attorneys' fees and treble damages, along with statutory damages of up to $2 million per mark. This follows the appearance of a Drunk Shakespeare production sequence in Episode 4 of the eight-part series Off Campus.
The players
Brass Jar
This theatrical production company operates shows in New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Houston.
Amazon
This multinational technology and entertainment company produces original content for its Prime Video streaming platform.
The details
The complaint alleges that a fictional college production depicted in the show included direct references to the Drunk Shakespeare trademark. Brass Jar previously attempted to resolve the issue through correspondence with Amazon in June 2026, but the parties reached a dispute regarding copyright claims.
Timeline
May 13, 2026: The series Off Campus premiered on Prime Video.
June 3, 2026: Brass Jar sent a formal letter to Amazon regarding trademark concerns.
September 17, 2026: Brass Jar filed the official lawsuit against Amazon.
Market Landscape
This litigation highlights the increasing friction between intellectual property holders and streaming platforms regarding unauthorized brand depictions. It reflects a broader industry challenge where production companies must navigate complex trademark boundaries within fictionalized content.
While the legal battle continues, subscribers to Prime Video may see shifts in content availability if the court mandates edits to the series. The outcome could also influence how streaming services clear intellectual property rights for future fictional productions.
The takeaway
Trademark protection remains a critical legal frontier for businesses operating in the entertainment space. Companies should ensure their brands are not used without permission to avoid the costly and time-consuming litigation process.
Further reading
For more on how companies protect their brands, visit the Marketing section.
More information
View details regarding the court complaint filing.
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Should streaming platforms be strictly liable for trademark use in their original television series?
