PresLaw
Exploring the Legal Legacy of Elvis Aaron Presley
May 02, 2014
Moving PresLaw.info
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March 18, 2014
Factors Etc., Inc. v. Pro Arts, Inc. (The "In Memory" Poster Saga)
Overview
This seminal case involves the publishing and sale of a memorial poster, after Elvis' death, containing his picture. Plaintiff's claim to have the sole right to merchandise Elvis' name and image, and that the right to do so is descendible after his death. After six years of litigation the court finally finds in favor of the Defendants! This case also becomes entangled with the contemporaneous Creative Card Co. and Memphis Development Foundation cases. As well as Right of Publicity issues, this case also contains a great deal of Civil Procedure.
Note: Factors Etc. were the official licensees of Elvis' name and image. The licensor was Boxcar Enterprises (co-defendants), owned and operated by "Colonel" Tom Parker (56%), with Elvis and Tom Dishkin, President of Boxcar, being minority shareholders (22% each). Elvis had contracted with Boxcar for this right in return for royalty payments.
This seminal case involves the publishing and sale of a memorial poster, after Elvis' death, containing his picture. Plaintiff's claim to have the sole right to merchandise Elvis' name and image, and that the right to do so is descendible after his death. After six years of litigation the court finally finds in favor of the Defendants! This case also becomes entangled with the contemporaneous Creative Card Co. and Memphis Development Foundation cases. As well as Right of Publicity issues, this case also contains a great deal of Civil Procedure.
Note: Factors Etc. were the official licensees of Elvis' name and image. The licensor was Boxcar Enterprises (co-defendants), owned and operated by "Colonel" Tom Parker (56%), with Elvis and Tom Dishkin, President of Boxcar, being minority shareholders (22% each). Elvis had contracted with Boxcar for this right in return for royalty payments.
January 18, 2014
When Elvis Met Nixon: The Documents (Part Three) - Meeting Agenda
Egil Krogh |
As with Dwight Chapin and H. R. Hadelman, who were also involved in the Nixon meeting, Krogh was also ultimately imprisoned for his role in the Watergate scandal.
Ironically, at the time of writing, Krogh currently serves as Senior Fellow on Ethics and Leadership at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress and Counselor to the Director at the School for Ethics and Global Leadership.
Of note in the agenda are points III.E.3 and III.E.4, which suggest discussing the creation of a Rock Musical and Elvis album entitled "Get High on Life." Not one of Krogh's better ideas, I think!
January 11, 2014
Curtin v. Star Editorial Inc. (1998)
Overview: In this case, plaintiff, James Curtin is suing Star Magazine for copyright infringement, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment over Star Magazine's use of photographs from Mr. Curtin's book, "Elvis and the Stars."
In the complaint, Curtin acknowledges that only one of his photographs was actually copied (though cropped) and the other photographs were merely similar to those in his book.
The defendant, on the other hand, moves to have the case dismissed in accordance with Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
The court's rulings are divided, sometimes in favor of the plaintiff and sometimes in favor of the defendant. The rulings also include some amusing Elvis-related humor!
In the complaint, Curtin acknowledges that only one of his photographs was actually copied (though cropped) and the other photographs were merely similar to those in his book.
The defendant, on the other hand, moves to have the case dismissed in accordance with Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
The court's rulings are divided, sometimes in favor of the plaintiff and sometimes in favor of the defendant. The rulings also include some amusing Elvis-related humor!
November 23, 2013
State ex rel. Cole v. Francisco (1982)
Buy on Amazon |
In addition, they are also attempting to have the court require the District Attorney General, Hugh Stanton, to intervene in the action as a plaintiff.
The Court rules against Cole & Thompson on both issues.
November 22, 2013
Medical Examiner's Report (Autopsy) on the Death of Elvis Presley
The cause of death noted on this report was "H.C.V.D. associated with ASHD" which refers to "Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease associated with Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease."
Note, as clarified on the Elvis Decoded blog, this report is NOT the official autopsy report, which is the private property of the Presley family. Also, this is not the official death certificate, which, under Tennessee law will be kept private for 50 years after Elvis' death and will therefore be made public in 2027.
Board of County Commissioners of Shelby County v. Taylor (1994)
Dr. Jerry T. Francisco (photo by Alan Spearman) |
(Note: Mandamus is a legal term that refers to a court issuing a writ that orders a public agency, official, or governmental body to perform an act required by law when it has neglected or refused to do so.)
The defendant filed a motion to dismiss this case, which was sustained by the lower court and the suit was dismissed. Here, the plaintiffs are appealing and presenting two issues to the appellate court to determine. The appellate court affirms the ruling of the lower court.
November 21, 2013
Broadcast Music, Inc. v. Aartie Restaurant Management, Inc. (1993)
The old Federal Courthouse, Tampa |
Elvis Presley Music is a co-plaintiff in this case.
The court also discusses summary judgment issues.
November 20, 2013
When Elvis Met Nixon: The Documents (Part Two) -The Chapin Memo
Dwight Chapin |
He then offers his suggestions as to how the meeting should take place and is clearly in favor of Elvis meeting with the President rather than fobbing him off with the Vice President.
H. R. Hadelman |
Note: Both Dwight Chapin and H. R. Hadelman were heavily involved in the subsequent Watergate scandal. Chapin was convicted and served nine months in prison as a result. Later in his career, Chapin worked for both Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Hadelman resigned as a result of the scandal and was later convicted and served 18 months in prison. On release, Hadelmen worked as a private businessman and died of cancer in 1993.
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