Many people mourned the day Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne left the group. He had to leave in 1979 because of his out-of-control drug and alcohol use.
Ozzy now says guitarist Tony Iommi is not the sole owner of the Black Sabbath name. A New York judge agreed that the case has merit and ruled he can continue his battle. The New York Post reports the judge did, however, encourage both sides to "consider mediation."
Ozzy wants a 50% stake in the Black Sabbath trademark. He argues his "signature lead vocals" are one of the main reasons for the band’s success.
Tony Iommi filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office claiming to be the sole owner of the Black Sabbath name. Osbourne disagrees.
Iommi’s lawyer says Ozzy Osbourne signed away all his rights to the band when he quit in 1979. For his part, Osbourne’s lawyer says that point is moot considering the singer rejoined the band in 1997.