The estate of Bob Marley are reportedly planning legal action against the Universal Music Group and Verizon Wireless over a ringtone deal announced earlier this week.
The threat of litigation follows an agreement between Universal and Verizon that will give the mobile company exclusive access to certain songs from Marley's catalogue, including 'Buffalo Solider', 'Redemption Song' and 'One Love', for realtone ringtones and other mobile products. The deal coincides with efforts by Universal to promote the re-release in October of classic Marley album 'Exodus', which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary.
But the Marley family's company, Fifty Six Hope Road Music Limited, said yesterday that Universal did not have the rights to enter into the deal with the phone firm. A statement from the company said Universal had entered into the partnership "without the permission of the Marley family" and that the agreement was "not in accordance with Marley's longstanding contract with Universal Music Group".
But Universal say the Marley family are wrong, saying in a statement yesterday: "Universal Music Group has not received any suit from the Marley Estate. Moreover, claims made in a press release issued today are meritless. Specifically, we are offering Bob Marley ringtones through Verizon in accordance with the terms of a long standing contract between Bob Marley and UMG".