Bob Marley’s heirs win image case in Nevada court
LAS VEGAS — A federal jury has sided with Bob Marley’s family in ruling against a Nevada company accused of making and selling apparel featuring the reggae icon’s image.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Friday that jurors ruled against AVELA and owner Leo Valencia, awarding $300,000 in damages to a company owned by Marley’s family.
U.S. District Judge Philip Pro is expected to award more damages after determining how much profit was lost because of unfair competition.
A lawyer told the jury in Las Vegas that Bob Marley’s children don’t want to see the reggae legend portrayed as a bobblehead or a plush toy.
Marley died in 1981 at age 36. His heirs, under the name Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd. and Zion Rootswear, filed the lawsuit in January 2008.
