Legal battle over use of Monroe images

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INDIANAPOLIS, March 24 (UPI) -- An Indianapolis firm that represents the likenesses of dead celebrities is suing the estate of Marilyn Monroe, saying it is being threatened with legal action.

CMG Worldwide had protected the likeness of Monroe until 2010, when the actress' estate terminated the relationship. Since then, though, the estate has accused CMG of infringing on Monroe's publicity rights, The Hollywood Reporter said Saturday.

A 2008 legal battle between CMG and One West Publishing over copyright images the latter had of Monroe left CMG paying One West $325,000 but also becoming the publishing company's licensing agent. CMG argued the termination deal with Monroe's estate did not address its representation of One West, the Reporter said.

Monroe's estate sent CMG a cease-and-desist letter over the display of One West's Monroe images, but CMG has sued, saying it should be allowed to carry on its work there.