Marlon Brando – Marlon Brando Trustees Sue Furniture Firm

Marlon Brando Marlon Brando Trustees Sue Furniture Firm Image

Marlon Brando's estate executors are suing a furniture company for using the late movie icon's name to sell sofas and ottomans.

Lawyers for Brando Enterprises have filed suit against the bosses of Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., claiming they have infringed and misappropriated the Brando name.

The executors are keen to recover damages caused by the sales and marketing of the unlicensed Brando furniture.

The suit comes a month after Brando Enterprises filed suit against Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, insisting the biking company was also using the Brando name without permission.

The executors' lawyer Jeffrey I. Abrams says, "Companies taking advantage of protected brands appears to be a growing problem for many iconic celebrity estates. Companies may recognise the potential profits derived by associating products with iconic celebrities, however they need to know they are not entitled to generate revenues from the sale of products bearing unlicensed names, images and trademarks.

"The estates of classic and legendary celebrities, such as Marlon Brando, generally have representation for licensing matters, and manufacturers have the opportunity to negotiate an agreement that will provide the marketing and promotional benefits derived from associating with an iconic figure."

A statement from the Brando Trust reads, "We will pursue any infringement of the Marlon Brando name and carry out our mission to serve Marlon's wishes as they relate to his legacy and his family."

Marlon Brando – Marlon Brando Trustees Sue Furniture Firm