Pharrell Countersues will.i.am Over 'I Am' Trademark: Dr. Seuss' 'Green Eggs and Ham' Quoted in Pharrell's Argument

It seems as though Pharrell Williams is countersuing will.i.am, and is quoting the late, great Dr. Suess while doing so.

Late last month, Black Eyed Peas member and producer will.i.am issued a lawsuit to Pharrell over the phrase "I am," which will.i.am has reportedly had the copyright to since 2001.

Will.i.am's camp argues that Pharrell's "i am OTHER" brand is too similar to will.i.am's brand and his "I AM" mark. Because both artists are in the hip-hop game and likely to market similar items, will.i.am's camp does not want Pharrell to use the phrase.

However, now Pharrell's lawyers have now countersued will.i.am and are claiming that the way will.i.am uses "I am" is different from Pharrell's brand, and isn't even original in the first place.

According to Pharrell via TMZ, will.i.am is using the phrase in a Seussian sense. The "Blurred Lines" featured artist even quoted the children's author in explaining how Will uses it. "Sam I am, I am Sam, I am Sam, Sam I am."

"In contrast, the I Am Other mark means 'I am something else,'" said Pharrell.

Pharrell filed in a Manhatten court asking a judge for written permission to continue using the brand name "I Am Other."

The two musicians reportedly are trying to work things out outside of the legal system, but since both have filed lawsuits, it seems as though a court case over "I am" may be inevitable.

The whole thing is rather silly when one considers that "I am" is one of the most basic phrases in the English language.