Chris Brown Lawsuit Over 'Breezy Bowl' Name Tossed After Lawyers Ditch Swim Brand That Sued

A judge dismissed the lawsuit after the plaintiff, Breezy Swim, failed to find new legal representation.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A judge has thrown out a trademark lawsuit filed by Miami-based retailer Breezy Swim against Chris Brown over the name of his 'Breezy Bowl XX' tour. The lawsuit was dismissed after Breezy Swim's two different lawyers withdrew from the case due to 'irreconcilable differences' with the company's leadership. Brown was never served with the lawsuit, and the judge warned Breezy Swim that the case would be dismissed if they did not find new legal representation, which they failed to do.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges small businesses can face when taking on a high-profile celebrity in court over trademark disputes. The inability of Breezy Swim to retain legal counsel ultimately led to the dismissal of their lawsuit, despite their claims that Brown's tour was infringing on their own 'Breezy Bowl' brand and causing consumer confusion.

The details

Breezy Swim filed the lawsuit in July 2026, just as Brown was beginning the U.S. leg of his 'Breezy Bowl XX' stadium tour. The swim brand claimed Brown's tour merchandise infringed on their trademarks and that the show's title was confusing fans of their own annual runway show, also known as the 'Breezy Bowl.' However, Breezy Swim's original lawyer withdrew in September due to a 'fundamental breakdown' in communications, and their replacement lawyer also left the case in December due to 'irreconcilable differences' with the client. The judge warned Breezy Swim that the lawsuit would be dismissed if they failed to find new legal representation, which they did not do, leading to the case being tossed 'without prejudice,' meaning it could potentially be refiled in the future.

  • Breezy Swim filed the lawsuit in July 2026.
  • Breezy Swim's original lawyer withdrew in September 2026.
  • Breezy Swim hired a new lawyer in September 2026, but she withdrew in December 2026.
  • The judge dismissed the case in January 2027.

The players

Chris Brown

An American singer, songwriter, and dancer who was the subject of the trademark lawsuit over his 'Breezy Bowl XX' tour.

Breezy Swim

A Miami-based retailer that filed the trademark lawsuit against Chris Brown over the name of his 'Breezy Bowl XX' tour.

John Hoover

The original lawyer for Breezy Swim who withdrew from the case due to a 'fundamental breakdown' in communications with the company's leadership.

Lorri Lomnitzer

The second lawyer hired by Breezy Swim who also withdrew from the case due to 'irreconcilable differences' with the client.

Judge Beth Bloom

The judge who dismissed the lawsuit against Chris Brown after Breezy Swim failed to find new legal representation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Brown has been internationally known as 'Breezy' since the 2010 release of the song, 'Ms. Breezy.' Plaintiff does not possess a federal trademark. Notwithstanding this irrefutable reality, plaintiff erroneously claims exclusive rights to the term, 'Breezy Bowl' and seeks to recover exorbitant monetary damages from the sale of concert tickets and official tour merchandise that unmistakably features Chris Brown's name and likeness.”

— James Sammataro, Attorney for Live Nation (Billboard)

“Breezy Swimwear has failed to allege any facts demonstrating that Shopify had actual or constructive knowledge that Breezy Swimwear had an enforceable common law trademark.”

— Nathan Berman, Attorney for Shopify (Billboard)

What’s next

The judge's dismissal of the case 'without prejudice' means Breezy Swim could potentially refile the lawsuit in the future if they are able to retain new legal representation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges small businesses can face when taking on a high-profile celebrity in court over trademark disputes, as Breezy Swim was ultimately unable to retain legal counsel to pursue their claims against Chris Brown's successful 'Breezy Bowl XX' tour.