Marilyn Monroe’s estate and an audiovisual firm adopting the persona of the actress in 3D are engaged in a probate battle that could have an extensive effect among the estates of celebrated people who failed to register their persona while still alive, Mail Online reported on October 2.
Monroe’s estate claims that Virtual Marilyn LLC’s use of Monroe’s persona will confuse people and uses her identity to garner an unfair following. However, a 13-page court document filed by the audiovisual firm at a U.S. district court states the company now owns Monroe’s persona rights. The suit explains that Monroe’s persona rights ‘died’ along with her in 1962, and that the actress never registered any aspect of her persona as a trademark when she was still alive.
In 2012, the United States Copyright Office awarded Virtual Marilyn LLC the right to use computer generated characters adopting Monroe’s persona, which may include her name, image, likeness, voice and signature.
Probate disputes and litigation such as this should be handled by qualified and highly professional probate litigation attorneys who know well how important it is to protect your rights in and out of the courtroom. At Peck Ritchey, LLC, we may advocate for you or a loved one’s welfare. To contact our Chicago office, call (855) 328-5787 today.