Marlon Brando Sues Madonna

Marlon Brando, or at least the people who now own his trademark rights, are suing Madonna for using Brando’s image as part of her touring show.

Brando Enterprises filed suit in U.S. District Court in Central California against Madonna and her touring company Bhakti, alleging that Brando’s image is being used on Madge’s tour without permission, even after Brando Enterprises, “expressly refused to grant such rights to the Defendants” when they were approached.

The suit is claiming, misappropriation of right of publicity and federal trademark infringement, among other charges. Madonna approached Brando Enterprises about licensing his image for her Super Bowl halftime performance back in February of this year, and was granted a “onetime” use.

But after Madonna went on tour, she kept right on using Brando’s image as part of her show.

Brando Enterprises is seeking general and special damages, as well as revenues and profits received as a result of using Brando’s image, plus treble damages, statutory damages, attorney’s fees and costs.

They also want an injunction barring Madonna from using Brando’s image in the future.