Jay-Z has scored a sizeable legal victory. In 2016, the mogul was sued by fragrance company Parlux for $68 million for allegedly failing to fulfill his contractual obligations to promote a fragrance called Gold Jay-Z. Last fall, a jury determined that neither side owed any money in the suit, but an appellate court ruled on Thursday (2/24) that Jay is entitled to $4.5 million in royalties.
Last year, the case went to trial in New York City for three weeks, of which Jay testified for two days. When the jury determined that neither side owed monies, Jay Z and his attorney Alex Spiro requested a counterclaim. The results of an appeal determined that Jay-Z and his S. Carter Enterprises LLC were entitled to summary judgment on their royalties in their counterclaim according to Page Six.
Justice John Higgitt of the Appellate Division, First Department said “The record is clear: Parlux sold licensed products after July 31, 2015, but failed to pay royalties on those sales. Parlux attorney Anthony Viola said that Jay violated the 2012 contract by not appearing at a Macy’s in 2014 for the launch of the fragrance. Viola said further that Jay did not promote the fragrance on Good Morning America and in Women’s wear Daily as agreed upon.
Spiro says that Jay-Z had a year to make the agreed upon appearances and was not required to show up to the launch event for the fragrance.