Hendrix family sues over name use on vodka

SEATTLE, March 7 (UPI) -- The family of the late Jimi Hendrix filed a federal lawsuit against a Seattle man, saying the use of Hendrix's name for a vodka promotion is a "sick joke."

Craig Dieffenbach, a Seattle entrepreneur, is marketing a purple specialty vodka that carries an image of the guitarist and the name Hendrix Electric.

The suit accused Dieffenbach and his company, Electric Hendrix, LLC, of trademark infringement and false advertising by marketing the vodka brand as "a Jimi Hendrix family company."

Janie Hendrix, Chief Executive Officer of Experience Hendrix and stepsister of the late rocker, said on the family's Web site, "(There) may be a perception that Experience Hendrix has, in some way, authorized this sale of vodka.

"In view of the circumstances of my brother Jimi's death, this attempt to associate his name with the sale of alcohol beverages amounts to a sick joke."

Jimi Hendrix was drinking and taking drugs when he died in 1970.

Dieffenbach said Tuesday he was puzzled by the lawsuit. He and Electric Hendrix attorney John Mele said a U.S. District Court judge ruled in 2004 that Janie Hendrix's companies do not own publicity rights to Jimi Hendrix's name and likeness.