According to the AP news report:
Heirs of the Jamaican reggae legend are plunging into the global trademark wars, seeking to enforce their exclusive rights to an image that has grown steadily in scope and appeal since the Jamaican superstar died of brain cancer in 1981 at age 36.
The Marley name, look and sound are estimated to generate an estimated $600 million a year in sales of unlicensed wares. Legal sales are much smaller — just $4 million for his descendants in 2007, according to Forbes magazine. The Marleys refuse to give a figure.
Now the family has hired Toronto-based Hilco Consumer Capital to protect their rights to the brand. Hilco CEO Jamie Salter believes Marley products could be a $1 billion business in a few years.
Wow…only $4 million is crazy considering how often we see this guy’s likeness. The newly released line of Bob Marley products which should hit stores in 2010 will be called “House Of Marley” so you’ll know when you’re getting the official exclusives.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I just LOVE Bob Marley!!!
His music is so chillin & always makes me happy!
Bob Marley 4 ever! <3
Thats crazy but I’m not surprised. I’m actually cool with his youngest child and I can tell you she doesn’t have anything. She is just a single parent struggling like everyone else. I always wondered but just didn’t feel like it was my place to ask.
there’s some good coverage of this story over at the naming & branding blog ‘on the button.’ have a look: http://onthebutton.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/bob_marle/