Marley family may sue over ring tone deal
Published: Aug. 31, 2007 at 3:53 PM
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Reggae icon Bob Marley's heirs said they may sue to halt U.S. wireless giant Verizon's deal with Universal Music Group to sell ring tones from Marley's catalog.
Universal called the claims by the Marley estate “meritless,” saying in a statement it was "offering Bob Marley ring tones through Verizon in accordance with the terms of a longstanding contract between Bob Marley and UMG,” The New York Times reported Friday.
Chris Blackwell, a Marley family spokesman, told the Times Verizon approached him directly about the ring tone deal several months ago. While the Basking Ridge, N.J., company presented its offer as licensing the music, Blackwell said the family believed if Verizon were to provide the ring tones exclusively and use Marley’s image for marketing, the proposal amounted to an endorsement.
Verizon, which declined comment, rejected an endorsement possibility, negotiating a deal with Universal instead.
The Marley estate will earn royalties from the ring tones Verizon sells whether or not the family files suit, the Times said. Marley was 36 when he died of cancer in 1981.
Universal called the claims by the Marley estate “meritless,” saying in a statement it was "offering Bob Marley ring tones through Verizon in accordance with the terms of a longstanding contract between Bob Marley and UMG,” The New York Times reported Friday.
Chris Blackwell, a Marley family spokesman, told the Times Verizon approached him directly about the ring tone deal several months ago. While the Basking Ridge, N.J., company presented its offer as licensing the music, Blackwell said the family believed if Verizon were to provide the ring tones exclusively and use Marley’s image for marketing, the proposal amounted to an endorsement.
Verizon, which declined comment, rejected an endorsement possibility, negotiating a deal with Universal instead.
The Marley estate will earn royalties from the ring tones Verizon sells whether or not the family files suit, the Times said. Marley was 36 when he died of cancer in 1981.
© 2007 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Entertainment:
Actor reveals affair with Sharon Tate
Yolanda Adams performs in concert at the Hot 105 4th Annual Mother's Day Gospel Concert at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 11, 2008. (UPI Photo/Michael Bush)
4th Annual Mother's Day Gospel Concert in Hollywood, Florida
Full Photo
| Slideshow
Latest Headlines
Most Popular
- UPI NewsTrack Quirks in the News
- British pet psychic helps find lost dog
- Man cuts car in half to make a point
- Speedo-wearing beach bum sues cops
- Baseballs bombard homes; field shut down
- Pastor says to forgive skull pot smokers
- Commander probed in nude shooting case
- Romantic teen runs afoul of girl's dad