Statement From Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Limited On Lawsuit To Protect Bob Marley Name Filed Against Richard Booker

Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Limited, which owns all rights in world-renowned reggae singer Bob Marley’s name, persona and likeness, filed a lawsuit against Richard Booker to protect the Marley name and to prevent consumer confusion. Fifty-Six is jointly owned by the widow and children of Bob Marley. The company is charged with ensuring that all authorized uses of Bob Marley’s name and likeness are licensed and approved as to style, quality and safety guidelines.

Rather than accept the license offered to him by the family, Mr. Booker, son of Cedella Booker, Bob Marley’s mother, decided to proceed on his own and use Bob Marley’s name, image and likeness without a license. Each family member that operates a business and uses intellectual property associated with Bob Marley must get a license. Mr. Booker is no different.

While the family was compelled to file this lawsuit by Mr. Booker’s unfortunate decision, they are hopeful that they will be able to amicably resolve their dispute with Mr. Booker and remain ready and willing to do so.

Short of such a resolution, though, the family is prepared to protect their valuable rights in federal court.

The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division

Source: Fifty-Six