The duo, famous for producing hits such as Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot" and Kelis' "Milkshake," has been embroiled in a disagreement regarding the control and administration of the Neptunes' name.

According to Billboard, the legal action was filed last week, with Hugo's attorneys accusing Williams of fraudulently seeking sole control over The Neptunes' trademarks in violation of their agreement to equally share all assets. The duo, who have been friends and collaborators since childhood, were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.

In a statement to Variety, a representative for Pharrell expressed surprise at the accusations and mentioned that they have made multiple attempts to involve Hugo in the ownership and administration of the trademark. The intention was to prevent any third-party intervention and ensure both Williams and Hugo have equal ownership and control.

The dispute revolves around three trademark applications filed by Williams for "The Neptunes." These applications cover streaming music, music videos and other content, and live performances. Hugo's attorneys argue that Williams filed these applications without his input, alleging that this was a deliberate and intentional act.

The attorneys claim to have reached out to Williams' team numerous times regarding the issue and further state that Williams' representatives admitted that Hugo is an equal co-owner of the trademarks. However, they assert that Williams' company insisted on unfavorable business terms that would deprive Hugo of proper control and compensation, without specifying what these terms entail.

The legal battle highlights the complications that can arise from the division of intellectual property rights in long-standing creative partnerships. As the Neptunes' success continues to grow, their legal dispute is a reminder of the importance of clear agreements and communication in maintaining collaborative relationships.

As the case moves forward, the public awaits further developments to see how the dispute will be resolved and whether Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo can overcome this legal hurdle to protect their creative legacy as The Neptunes.