GORGOROTH Guitarist On Court Battle: 'I Won Because I Was Right, And I Was Right All The Way'

Norway's Imhotep webzine recently conducted an interview with GORGOROTH guitarist Infernus (real name: Roger Tiegs) about his court battle against vocalist Gaahl and bassist King ov Hell over the rights to the GORGOROTH band name. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Imhotep: How did you feel when the court announced the verdict of your lawsuit against King ov Hell and Gaahl? What was your reaction?

Infernus: It was very satisfactory indeed. I am very pleased with the outcome of the trial, but not really all that surprised, as this just confirms what I have been stating ever since October 2007 — that it is illegal to go behind someone's back and attempt to register a trademark which has already been established by use. The judge seemed like a very alert and thorough person, who spent quite a few weeks on the verdict, something which resulted in a rather substantial and reflected 21-page piece of work as an answer to the trademark rights question. I'm happy for myself and my band, and I am also happy on behalf of the rest of the scene in general, as this creates precedence so that similar conflicts can be avoided in the future.

Imhotep: The first verdict of this lawsuit wasn't positive to you. What did you think back then?

Infernus: Actually, this is a common misconception which has been circulating in the media since December 2007, as this trial in January 2009 is the first and only trial which has been held in this matter. The counterpart's trademark application (which is now to be deleted) was sent in (without my knowledge) and registered by the Norwegian Industrial Property Office's first department — this is the "court decision" which the counterpart has been talking about since December 2007. There was never a trial until now. When I received news of the trademark being registered in December 2007, I instantly decided to take further legal actions and take the matter before the courts in a trial, as I was confident that the registration was illegal — something which has now been clearly proven.

Imhotep: How were those days you spent without being able to actually work as GORGOROTH?

Infernus: This is a second misconception. I have worked under the name GORGOROTH ever since October 2007, gathering a new lineup, finishing the "True Norwegian Black Metal - Live in Grieghallen" album, and finishing the writing of the new GORGOROTH album, "Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt". I have also cleaned up the organization behind the band, as it was evident quite early that there were a few rotten apples which had to be removed, be it roadies, hired musicians, producers or others. These have now more or less all been successfully replaced.

Imhotep: Why was the final verdict positive to you? What did King ov Hell and Gaahl actually do (or tried to do) with GORGOROTH and with you?

Infernus: I won because I was right, and I was right all the way. The verdict went against King and Gaahl because what they did was clearly both illegal and disloyal, and done in bad faith — they tried to trademark a band name and logo which had already existed for years before they were invited to join the band.

Read the entire interview at Imhotep.

King ov Hell (real name: Tom Cato Visnes) and vocalist Gaahl (real name: Kristian Espedal) released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the outcome of their legal battle with Infernus:

"Regarding the recent court case over the use of the name GORGOROTH, Gaahl and King confirm that parts of the verdict have been decided and went in favor of Infernus. This is only a partial verdict on the case. Because of the complexity of this case, there will be further court hearings and the final verdict will be announced within a few weeks.

"The judge came to the conclusion that it is impossible to kick out an original member even if he doesn't contribute musically or lyrically. The judge also states that one can't kick an original member out of a band even if that member performs actions which are viewed as disrespectful towards promoters, session members and other working partners.

"Gaahl and King wish Infernus the best of luck using the banner of GORGOROTH on his art.

"Gaahl and King will still present the art they are known for creating in GORGOROTH albeit under another banner. The new name will be announced shortly."