Converse Sues 31 Companies For Selling Imitation Chuck’s – Tha Wire

Today in Tha Wire, Converse sues 31 "big name" companies for selling imitation Chuck's and Pimp C's widow refuses to endorse new bio book, based on his life.

Converse is sick of their style being imitated and is dishing out lawsuits. The New York Times reports legendary shoe giant Converse is handing out lawsuits to several major department store and retail chains for imitating their iconic tennis shoe.

The footwear company has taken legal action against 31 companies for trademark infringement and filed 22 separate lawsuits this week (Oct. 14^th)  Of those listed in the lawsuit , Converse named Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sketchers, Ralph Lauren, FILA and others for copying the design of their Chuck’s.

By the way, Converse has also filed additional papers to ensure this never happens again.  Get further details below inside Tha Wire.

Meanwhile Jim Calhoun, Converse Chief Executive, said of the lawsuit no one should get away with selling their iconic show, telling the Times “The goal really is to stop this action.  I think we’re quite fortunate here to be in the possession of what we would consider to be an American icon.”

Finally Julia Beverly, founder of OZONE Magazine and Chinara Butler, the widow of Pimp C aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on an upcoming book based on the late rappers life.  AllHipHop reports Julia Beverly has penned a book tittle, SWEET JONES: PIMP C’s TRILL LIFE STORY and is looking to release the book sometime in 2015.

However, Chinara Butler does NOT support the book and has denounced having any dealings with it on social media and various interviews.  Mrs. Butler recently made her feelings clear during a sit-down with djsdoingwork.com saying,

“As the matriarch of my family, and voice of Chad Butler’s estate, I feel that it’s imperative that I make it publicly known that we do not endorse, nor have any ties to Julia Beverly’s pending unauthorized biography of Pimp C’s life. While I did meet with Julia regarding the book, I never committed our support to the project. We are working tirelessly to protect and manage the legacy my late husband built, and this book is counterproductive to our goals.

Pimp C’s estate has several projects underway that we know his fans will appreciate, including new music. After a successful Pimp C Tribute show at A3C, we’re putting the finishing touches on a new album. The project is the culmination of more than a year of work from Juicy J and myself . The project includes production contributions from Ray Murray (of Organized Noise), DJ B-Do ,CoryMo, Mike Will Made-It and Warren G, and features from Bun B, E-40,Too-Short, ASAP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Lill Wayne, Chris Brown, ESG, Lil KeKe, Devin The Dude, Sleepy Brown, Raheem DeVaughn, Rick Ross and more. I’m also penning a book that will give the world new insight into Chad Butler, the man.

I believe that all things should be done decent and in order, but more importantly with respect. While we wish Julia the best in her endeavors, it is our desire to totally separate ourselves, and the late Mama Wes from this project.”

In the meantime, Beverly says the book had the blessing of Pimps mother Mama Wes, who passed suddenly last year, as well as other family members.  According to AllHipHop, the longtime journalist says she’s been working on a book for 4 years and that she and the UGK legend were good friends.  In her official statement Beverly said,

“When Pimp C was alive, we worked together on numerous projects and shared a mutual friendship, trust, and respect. This is a book that has been 4 years in the making with the full support of his mother and other family members. His mother Mama Wes, who was UGK’s manager for many years, passed away suddenly in 2013 after we had completed nearly 40 hours of interviews. I initially intended to do this project with his “estate” through his wife. However, after I learned that his wife does not have custody of any of his children, and his sons do not benefit financially from his estate, I made alternate arrangements with his mother. Mama Wes entrusted me with telling her son’s story accurately and honestly; it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. Sometimes the truth hurts, so I can understand why some people don’t want the story to be told.”

Angela Crooks, mother of Pimp C’s son Corey, is in full support of the book.  Find out what she had to say about the book and Chinara Butler below inside Tha Wire.  If nothing changes, SWEET JONES: PIMP C’s TRILL LIFE STORY, will be will hit bookshelves early 2015.  For more info got to PimpCBook.com.

As far as more details on today's news, listen to Tha Wire now for the skinny.