Bob Marley’s estate is planning to file a lawsuit against the Universal Music Group and Verizon Wireless over a deal announced earlier this week for access to the reggae legend’s body of work.
According to Fifty Six Hope Road Music Limited, the agreement was signed “without the permission of the Marley family” and was “not in accordance with Marley’s longstanding contract with Universal Music Group.”
On Tuesday, the companies announced they had secured exclusive access to Marley’s catalog for such products as master ringtones of “Buffalo Solider,” “Redemption Song” and “One Love.” The deal was seen as one of several recent digital-related moves to promote Marley as UMG celebrates the 30th anniversary and October re-release of the album “Exodus.”
“UMG has not received any suit from the Marley Estate,” UMG says in a statement. “Moreover, claims made in a press release issued today by Palm Pictures 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.”
Verizon was unavailable for comment at deadline.
