Ashley Furniture Sued over "Brando" Furniture

June 22, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Legal on June 23, 2011

Brando Enterprises filed a lawsuit Thursday against Ashley Furniture over sales and marketing unlicensed "Brando" sofas and ottomans.

Brando Enterprises was created by the Marlon Brando Living Trust to manage core business interests including Brando licensing activities, preservation and archiving of the late actor's memorabilia.

According to an announcement of the action, the suit,  filed in the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, West District, seeks an injunction to stop Ashley Furniture, Arcadia, Wis., from infringing and misappropriating the Brando name and to recover damages caused by the sales and marketing of the unlicensed "Brando" furniture.

The Ashley suit comes on the heels of Brando Enterprises' recent legal action against Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

"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," said entertainment and licensing attorney Jeffrey I. Abrams, who filed the suit. "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."