LOS ANGELES, CA--(06/23/11) - Following on the heels of its recent legal action against Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Brando Enterprises has filed a new lawsuit against furniture manufacturer Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. for the unlicensed use of the Brando name in connection with a line of sofas and ottomans marketed by the company. Filed by entertainment and licensing attorney Jeffrey I. Abrams, Esq. of Los Angeles-based Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP, the suit seeks an injunction to stop Ashley Furniture from infringing and misappropriating the Brando name and to recover damages caused by the sales and marketing of the unlicensed "Brando" furniture.
The suit was filed on June 23, 2011 in the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, West District.
"Companies taking advantage of protected brands appears to be a growing problem for many iconic celebrity estates. Companies may recognize 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," said Abrams.
Established in part to protect the Marlon Brando name, likeness and personality on behalf of the Brando family, Brando Enterprises is overseen by Brando Trust co-trustees Mike Medavoy, Chairman of Phoenix Entertainment, accountant and business manager Larry Dressler and Avra Douglas, a family friend.
"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," said the Brando Trust.
Brando Enterprises is represented for licensing by Brand Sense Partners, LLC.
About Brando EnterprisesBrando Enterprises is a an operating entity created by the Marlon Brando Living Trust to manage core business interests including Brando licensing activities, preservation and archiving of Brando memorabilia in preparation for future exploitation and film participation and represent the Brando Trust's continuing commitment to maximizing opportunities on behalf of the beneficiaries according to Marlon's wishes as set forth in his Trust documents. The Brando Trustees include motion picture producer and former studio executive Mike Medavoy, accountant and business management executive Larry Dressler and Avra Douglas, a close family friend who also served as an executive assistant and creative development executive with the famed actor.
About Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP:Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin has distinguished itself as a significant legal presence in California and throughout Nevada for the past 30 years. Our attorneys in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Reno serve as full service counsel on a broad range of corporate, real estate, entertainment and litigation matters for local, regional and nationally recognized clients. The firm provides strategic legal counsel and a client-focused approach across multiple industries and business sectors.
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