Statement sparks Marley ringtones fight
Published: Sept. 15, 2007 at 1:40 PM
DENVER, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Comments by an adviser to Bob Marley's family has reignited a fight regarding a U.S. company's decision to offer ringtones based on the late singer's works.
While Verizon Wireless agreed this week to no longer sell the offending ringtones, the telecommunications company reversed its decision when it heard Marley family adviser Chris Blackwell allege it had simply bowed to the family's demands, Billboard said Friday.
The wireless group had previously penned an agreement with Universal Music Group that gave the company exclusive licensing access to the entire Bob Marley catalog.
Sources said by temporarily agreeing to no longer offer the reggae singer's songs as ringtones to the general public, Verizon was unable to capitalize on the 30-day exclusive deal it held.
A statement released by Universal Music Group expressed disappointment in the Marley family's decision to oppose the licensing deal in such ways, Billboard said.
"We are disappointed that the management of the Marley estate has chosen to take such an extreme and meritless position that a customary promotional campaign highlighting the availability of Marley mastertones somehow constitutes an 'endorsement' of Verizon overall," the statement said.
While Verizon Wireless agreed this week to no longer sell the offending ringtones, the telecommunications company reversed its decision when it heard Marley family adviser Chris Blackwell allege it had simply bowed to the family's demands, Billboard said Friday.
The wireless group had previously penned an agreement with Universal Music Group that gave the company exclusive licensing access to the entire Bob Marley catalog.
Sources said by temporarily agreeing to no longer offer the reggae singer's songs as ringtones to the general public, Verizon was unable to capitalize on the 30-day exclusive deal it held.
A statement released by Universal Music Group expressed disappointment in the Marley family's decision to oppose the licensing deal in such ways, Billboard said.
"We are disappointed that the management of the Marley estate has chosen to take such an extreme and meritless position that a customary promotional campaign highlighting the availability of Marley mastertones somehow constitutes an 'endorsement' of Verizon overall," the statement said.
© 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.
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