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Bob Marley's Family Settles Trademark Lawsuit With Singer's Half-Brother

Widow and children claimed illegal use of Marley's likeness

December 2, 2012 12:41 PM ET
Bob Marley, Wailers, Voorburg, Holland, live, on stage
Bob Marley performs live on stage with the Wailers in 1976 in Voorburg, Holland.
Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns

Bob Marley's family has settled a lawsuit against the reggae legend's half-brother, Richard Booker, TMZ reports.

Last winter, Bob Marley's widow Rita and nine of their children filed a lawsuit against Booker claiming trademark infringement and unauthorized use of Marley's image. According to the suit, Booker had registered the trademark "Mama Marley" to sell a line of fish products, and was using Marley's name and image to market the annual 9 Mile Music Festival in Miami. Booker filed a countersuit a few months later, claiming that Bob Marley had given him permission to use the family name. 

The Big Business of Rock Estates

The two parties have now settled the matter out of court. "This was a very sensitive case because the legacy of a great man and family were at stake," Booker's lawyer told TMZ. "From what I have learned about Bob Marley, he would be very happy, especially that his family is now at peace. Both parties were happy with the settlement agreement."

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