The statement on his website learn: “J Marr has efficiently utilized for 100% trademark rights / Mental Property possession of The Smiths identify. His utility has been accepted on no matter oaths or proclamations he has put ahead. This motion was executed with none session to Morrissey, and with out permitting Morrissey the usual alternative of ‘objection’. Amongst many different issues, because of this Marr can now tour as The Smiths utilizing the vocalist of his selection, and it additionally prohibits Morrissey from utilizing the identify while additionally denying Morrissey appreciable monetary livelihood. Morrissey alone created the musical unit identify ‘The Smiths’ in Might 1982.”
Johnny Marr has now shared his personal assertion clearing up these claims.
An announcement from Marr’s administration revealed that “In 2018, following an try by a 3rd get together to make use of the Smiths’ identify – and upon discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band – Marr reached out to Morrissey, by way of his representatives, to work collectively in defending the Smiths’ identify.” They share that Morrissey failed to reply, and so Marr registered the trademark on his personal.
“As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an project of joint possession to Morrissey. Execution of this doc nonetheless requires Morrissey to signal,” they proceed. For readability, they added a quote from Marr himself, which reveals that he did not ignore a proposal for a reunion tour, as Morrissey advised, he merely mentioned “no”.
Leave a Reply