The family of Jimi Hendrix has settled a 6 year copyright dispute that has divided them, according to the Seattle Times. Hendrix, world famous rock star, died in 1970 when he was 27 without a will. His estate was transferred to his father Al Hendrix. He, however, died in 2002.
Adopted daughter Janie Hendrix then took over the $80 million estate after her father's death. Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix, both under Janie's control, has been in a legal battle with Hendrix Licensing which is run by Andrew Pitsicalis from Nevada and Leon Hendrix, the late guitarist's brother, for several years. Janie and Leon's squabbling has been present ever since Jimi's death decades ago.
It was Janie's contention that the Hendrix Licensing was marketing merchandise using trademarked images like Jimi Hendrix's face. Seattle-based judge Thomas Zilly issued an injunction against Hendrix Licensing last May which effectively prohibits their use of the images in question. The name "Hendrix" was also banned from use in their merchandise.
Before the issue could go further and they would meet in trial, the two parties reached an undisclosed settlement*musictimes which Pitsicalis would be required to pay over five years.
Leon Hendrix challenged the will giving Janie all legal powers and control of the estate. Leon, together with Pitsicalis, ignored this and continued their business which led them to a $1.7 million settlement in 2009.
The Hendrix trademark issues are the latest in the legal troubles facing estates of late celebrities. Similarly, a Nevada jury ordered a company to pay the heirs of Bob Marley for damages from capitalizing on the late reggae star's iconic images like face and signature. The settlement amounted to $2 million.
Merchandise like t-shirts bearing the images of celebrities is the most common area of debate between companies and legal heirs. With millions of dollars at stake, the Hendrix issue is sure to be latest but not last of competing claims over trademarks, merchandise, profits, and estates.
