Nirvana and Marc Jacobs have finally settled a copyright dispute over the band’s smiley face logo, its origin, and its use by the brand. Nirvana initially brought the lawsuit against Marc Jacobs in 2018, claiming the fashion brand copied their signature happy face design. According to fan lore, late frontman Kurt Cobain created the logo, but Marc Jacobs filed a countersuit, calling out the claim. Former Geffen Records art director Robert Fisher claims he designed the logo, with his lawyers stating, “For 30 years now, Nirvana has reaped enormous profits from Mr. Fisher’s works.” According to a recent court filing, all three parties have agreed on a settlement, but the details have not yet been disclosed as they are in the process of drafting a formal agreement. The origins of the infamous smiley face logo remain unclear, but Nirvana’s lawyers insist it was designed by Cobain.
