Freeway Rick Appeals Lawsuit Against Rick Ross, Jay-Z And Def Jam

After losing to Rick Ross in court this summer, Freeway Rick will appeal the decision.

Convicted drug dealer “Freeway” Rick is appealing a July decision by Judge Percy Anderson of California’s Ninth District, which dismissed his case against platinum rapper Rick Ross. In the original suit Ross claimed the Florida rapper stole his name and identity in a commercial conspiracy led by former Def Jam President Jay-Z. Ross filed his suit under the Lanham Act, which protects against trademark infringement.

The case was ultimately dismissed because Freeway Rick couldn’t legitimately show he had trademark rights to his name. Judge Anderson has federal jurisdiction and Freeway Rick apparently filed a state-based claim. That distinction still allows Ross to file an amended lawsuit in state court as opposed to appealing his previous suit for $10 million.