Nirvana Sues Marc Jacobs Over Smiley Face Design

This bootleg smiley tee sure Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Nirvana has reportedly sued Marc Jacobs According To TMZ over items in the designer’s “Bootleg Redux Grunge” collection which feature the band’s iconic smiley face image.

The smiley face, which Nirvana has owned the trademark to since 1992, first appeared on a flyer for the Nevermind release party in 1991.

The Marc Jacobs version features an M and a J instead of Xs for its eyes, and it reads “HEAVEN” instead of “NIRVANA” in a typeface similar to the band’s Onyx font.

The “Bootleg Redux Grunge” collection features items originally shown for Perry Ellis in 1993, including sweaters, socks and shirts.

Check out a comparison of the two designs below.

Smells more like copyright infringement to me.