Est. 1998
Estate Wins Injunction Against Website
Michael’s Estate has won an injunction against a website using his image and Heal The World Foundation name to solicit donations. They were; “…exploiting his (Michael’s) death by unlawfully seeking trademarks using the name ‘Michael Jackson’ as well as such phrases as ‘King of Pop’, ‘Heal the World’, ‘MJ’, ‘Neverland’, and ‘Thriller’ to deceive the public into assuming they operate Jackson charities and thereby obtain contributions from Michael’s fans who believe they are making charitable donations to a legitimate Michael Jackson organization.”
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee ordered the current Heal the World Foundation to stop using Michael’s likeness and any trademarks that belong to his estate.
Michael’s estate sued the owners of the ‘foundation’ last year, claiming copyright infringement. They also claimed the site was improperly using Michael’s name and likeness to solicit donations.
Michael created a charity based on his hit song ‘Heal the World’ in 1992. It was later dissolved.
Judge Gee’s ruling said the new website, which has its references to Michael, misled consumers.
Source: Yahoo & MJWN
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