Jackson’s estate sues website over sale of memorabilia
Michael Jackson’s estate is suing a businessman working with his mother Katherine Jackson to sell memorabilia related to the deceased singer.
Howard Mann’s website jacksonsecretvault.com is marketing “official” souvenirs of the singer – who was found dead from acute Propofol intoxication at his rented Los Angeles house on June 25 2009 – authorised by his 80-year-old mother Katherine but lawyers for the estate argue the sales descriptions are misleading.
The lawsuit - seeking compensatory and punitive damages - which was filed in the US District Court - alleges the website "does absolutely everything in its power to suggest to its visitors that it is the hub for all things Michael Jackson, and that it is sanctioned and supported by the estate, when in fact it is neither".
The estate’s attorney, Howard Weitzman said: "People who trade off Michael's personality, copyrights, and trademarks should not be allowed to exploit the legacy of one of the world's most recognized talents for their own benefit.
"Protecting and preserving Michael's assets are a core responsibility of the Estate and we will do everything the law permits to enforce those rights."
Although Katherine – who is a beneficiary of the ‘Thriller’ star’s estate and is the guardian of his three children – features in promotional photos for the website, she has not been named in the lawsuit.
