Dschinghis Khan: That was Ralph Siegel’s reaction to the court decision

Genghis Khan
That was Ralph Siegel’s reaction to the court decision

Ralph Siegel (75) founded the pop group Dschinghis Khan in 1979, and recently he won a court dispute over the band’s naming rights. The lead singer, who retired in 2014, has since performed under the name of Dschinghis Khan, which Siegel had sued. The District Court of Munich I ruled according to a press releasethat Siegel “as the authoritative producer and creator of the Dschinghis Khan music project” is entitled to a corresponding company trademark.

In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Ralph Siegel explains that he was “very happy” for the group Dschinghis Khan after the outcome in court. The musician is currently busy with a major project: on October 16, his musical “Zeppelin” will come on stage for the first time. The first reactions were “very promising”, says Siegel happily.

According to media reports, you have won a lawsuit over Genghis Khan. You are entitled to a company trademark. Can you confirm that to us?

Ralph Siegel: According to my lawyers, yes – I finally own what I invented, designed and created years ago, including the name Dschinghis Khan, of course.

How did it come about that you filed a lawsuit against the former lead singer of your band?

Siegel: He had simply registered the word and figurative trademark rights “Dschinghis Khan” with the patent office and thus claimed them for himself.

How did you react to the outcome in court?

Siegel: We couldn’t react in court because we only heard about the decision a few days ago and we were of course very happy – especially for our group, which can now start again without any problems and after so many years.

After five years of preparation, your musical “Zeppelin” should finally come on stage in October. What is special about your work for you?

Siegel: For years it has been my dream to finally bring one of my musicals, which I’ve been writing for 40 years, to a big German stage. “Zeppelin” is probably one of the most exciting topics that came to mind for a new historical musical and it seems that the five years of work on this work has paid off. The book has got better and better over time and the protagonists, i.e. characters from contemporary history such as Zeppelin and his life, as well as fictional passengers of the Hindenburg LZ 129, in their statements, stories and songs, have become more intense and more believable from month to month. Last year I added five new songs and shortened or left out others. Distance from my own work has always been one of my secrets. Now of course I hope that the audience will see it as well. The first reactions were very promising.

How safe are the planned dates despite the pandemic?

Siegel: A terrible question, because we have had to postpone three times and that not only costs strength, but also a lot of work and unfortunately money. October 16 seems feasible to this day – whether with a full or half full house. Far below that would be more than difficult, but time will come advice.

You have won Sandy Mölling from No Angels as a performer. Who else are you particularly looking forward to?

Siegel: Actually, everyone, because there are so many roles, both large and small, that are all well cast. Everyone seems to be fully committed and is happy to be there at the world premiere of “Zeppelin”. More than 60 actors are a reason to be happy and everyone gives their best – of course I’m very happy about that. The fact that we have such a top star cast is a pure pleasure and the actors were fair in their fee claims, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to get it off the ground. Thank you very much for that. Special thanks also go to the artistic director and director Benjamin Sahler, the choreographer Stefanie Gröning and the supreme patron and owner of the Neuschwanstein festival theater, Manfred Rietzler and his entire family.

All game dates, tickets and further information are available at www.das-festspielhaus.de.

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