"The level of pettiness": Fans enraged as YG Entertainment applies for the 'G-Dragon' trademark following rumors of the idol's contract termination

On Thursday, October 12, YG Entertainment was revealed to be applying for the 'G-Dragon' trademark ownership. While the idol's exclusive contract with the company ended in June this year, there have still been talks on whether or not the idol will renew his contract with the company. As debates continue, YG Entertainment's alleged recent actions, as revealed in an article by Pannchoa, indicate that the company has aimed to gain the trademark since September 13, 2023.

There have also been several rumors about the idol possibly signing up with Warner Music. As these rumors land on the internet, some fans speculate if YG Entertainment's actions are to sabotage the idol since he will not be able to refer to himself as G-Dragon if he fails to renew his contract or chooses to join some other company.

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Fans frustrated following rumors of YG Entertainment applying for G-Dragon's trademark after his contract termination

Fans of G-Dragon would be aware that the idol has been referred to as the King of YG Entertainment and one of the pioneers of K-pop's global popularity. From the idol's fashion to his filmography, he's been highly commended and respected in the industry for years since his debut, and he's naturally gained a global image for his position in the music industry.

However, the idol's long-running relationship with YG Entertainment ended, and his contract extermination was the last to stand among all his fellow BIG BANG members who left the company and the group ahead of him. While there's still much vagueness around whether or not the idol has officially left the company, there have been surfacing rumors that speculated the idol's possible contract establishment with Warner Music.

Following this, YG Entertainment has also been allegedly exerting its efforts to keep the idol signed to their company, and one such attempt is allegedly registering for the trademark of the name G-Dragon. The stage of the South Korean rapper and singer-songwriter was initially filed in February 2003, with a validity of 10 years. At the same time, the company renewed it in February 2013, and the validity period, which extended till September 2023, finally ended.

If the rumors are true, this will prevent the idol from using his famous stage/brand to refer to himself or release music under it. Upon realizing the same, some fans have been enraged to notice the company's alleged harsh and unfair behavior towards the idol.

Given that the idol has earned much profit and popularity for YG Entertainment through his years under the agency, some fans were angered that they wouldn't let him keep the stage name.

Park Soo-jo, a Yonsei University professor and attorney, commented on the situation,

"The renewal seems straightforward, but there is also the concern that, like previous cases, G-Dragon might file an objection and claim ownership. On the other hand, if the idol accepts such terms from YG Entertainment, he can still obtain trademark registration without any issues. "

He continues,

"This suggests a close relationship between YG Entertainment and G-Dragon, or YG Entertainment has prepared well to ensure that the idol cannot take the trademark through a prior contract."

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Though fans hope he'll get to keep his stage name, they also express that he, as an artist, can shine regardless of the name he chooses to refer himself with.