Panic! at the Disco sues anonymous sellers over counterfeit merch
Panic At The Disco LLC is suing anonymous online sellers for counterfeit merchandise and seeks $2,000,000 per use; the court told the band to show shipments to Illinois before a TRO.
Panic At The Disco LLC has sued a set of anonymous online storefront operators for selling alleged counterfeit merchandise, asking the court for injunctive relief, an accounting of profits and statutory damages of USD $2,000,000 “for each and every use” of its trademarks, according to the company's legal filing.
US District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. granted the band's motion to file parts of the case under seal and ordered that, before a temporary restraining order will be granted, the company must provide evidence that sales actually took place in Illinois — specifically proof that defendants shipped products to the state — in his written order.
Practical consequence for small sellers and freelancers who make or sell band merch: if you are served, shipping and customer records are the core evidence the court will expect on jurisdiction. The complaint also cites the statutory cap commonly applied in willful-counterfeiting claims of USD $2,000,000 per counterfeit mark per type of goods.
Action steps:
- Preserve order records, invoices and shipping receipts that show buyer locations.
- If you receive a takedown or a subpoena, consult counsel promptly — jurisdictional facts matter to a TRO.
- Keep accurate supplier documentation to show product provenance.
Sources: Panic At The Disco LLC legal complaint; Order by US District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. Figures checked 18 September 2026.
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