Somebody In California Is Trying To Trademark O-Block And We Have Questions

California Man Tries To Trademark O-Block And Chicago Might Have Something To Say!

O-Block may be one of the most recognizable names in Chicago Hip-Hop, but a California man apparently wants to put his own legal stamp on it. And I have a feeling this could get contentious if the right people catch wind of it. And they will thanks to me. 🙂

Let’s examine what’s happening.

A man named Mark K. Hicks, from Gilroy, California, has filed a federal trademark application seeking protection for variations of the name “O-Block,” including “OBLOCK” and “O-BLOCK.”

The application covers clothing, including jerseys and jackets, with additional references to entertainment and publishing. However, those references do not necessarily mean he would control the name across those industries. He’s leaving the doors open.

O-Block is not some catchy phrase somebody invented while sitting around a marketing conference. This is a real place with a complicated history, deep cultural significance and a reputation that stretches far beyond Chicago. Ask AK about that.

We’re talking about Parkway Gardens, the South Side neighborhood immortalized through the music of King Von, Lil Durk and associated with Chief Keef and Chicago’s drill movement.

King Von even named his debut album Welcome to O’Block.

That name has represented an entire chapter of Hip-Hop history. The music, the neighborhood, the people and, unfortunately, the violence have all contributed to its notoriety. Now somebody thousands of miles away wants trademark protection?

Not a good look. Filing an application does not mean Hicks owns the name. But I have questions.

Does this gentleman have any connection to Parkway Gardens? Has he spoken with anybody associated with King Von’s legacy or others? Is this an independent fashion venture, or does he envision something considerably bigger? I do not really care. I do not like this.

Commercial use, existing rights and other factors are going to come into play when it is all said and done.

Imagine a clothing line carrying the O-Block name without helping community? NAH, BRO!

Would Chicago embrace that? NAH, BRO!

If the Chicago drill community decide to weigh in, buckle way up.