Pharrell Williams sues will.i.am over "i am" trademark

Hit-maker Pharrell Williams wants a judge to rule that a trademark for his "I am OTHER" company is not infringing on will.i.am's "I AM" trademark.

Williams filed legal papers Monday in federal court in Manhattan. He's seeking a declaratory judgment of non-infringement.

The two artists have been in dispute for the past several months over the issue.

A lawyer for will.i.am declined to comment. The Black Eyed Peas member has owned the "I AM" trademark since 2001. He filed objections in March and May against Pharrell Williams' company, i am OTHER, that launched in 2010. He uses "I AM" for his businesses, including his charity foundation I AM ANGEL.

Williams' i am OTHER produces the hit Web series "Awkward Black Girl" and other Web series.

Williams is part of The Neptunes and has teamed up with many artists, including Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and Jay-Z. He can be heard on Robin Thicke's new No. 1 single, "Blurred Lines," along with Daft Punk's latest hit, "Get Lucky."

The Black Eyed Peas have sold more than 31 million album copies, according to will.i.am's website.