Supreme Court: Yes, You Need Permission To Sell T-Shirts Featuring Bob Marley’s Face
The Supremes let stand a lower court ruling that said merchandisers hadn’t gotten approval from Marley’s children to sell clothing at Walmart, Target and other stores, reports the Associated Press.
The musician’s heirs control the rights to his image through a company called Fifty-Six Hope Road Music, and sued competitor A.V.E.L.A. and others in 2008, saying the companies had violated federal trademark law with the Marley products.
A federal court ordered the defendants to pay more than $1 million in profits and damages, and a federal appeals court agreed. Shoppers would be confused about who endorsed the merchandise, the court found.
And don’t even try to market a line of marijuana using Marley’s name — the family also has plans for branded weed… in states where it’s legal, of course.
Supreme Court won’t hear appeal over use of Bob Marley’s image [Associated Press]
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