LOS ANGELES, CA - Ashley Furniture Industries has agreed to pay $356,000 to the estate of Marlon Brando to settle a federal lawsuit in which Ashley was accused of infringing on the screen legend's name.

Brando Enterprises LP,which owns the intellectual property rights of the deceased Academy Award winning actor, initiated its lawsuit last June. The suit alleged that Ashley sold a line of sofas and ottomans under the "Brando" name without authorization.

"Obviously we are very pleased with the result," said Larry Dressler of Brando Enterprises. "The judgment sends a clear message that infringers of Marlon Brando's name and image will be pursued to the fullest extent, and forced to pay substantial damages."

At the time the lawsuit was filed, Ashley Chairman Ron Wanek told Furniture Today, "The case has no merit whatsoever."

In a statement issued to Furniture Today following the redent settlement, Ashley Furniture said it was pleased with the judgment because it was far less than what had initally been demanded and less costly than defending the case in court.