The internet has been all shook up by news of Elvis Presley's estate blocking Las Vegas wedding chapels from using his likeness. But the King can still declare your hunk o' burning love in holy matrimony: Presley's estate has clarified that it will require an impersonator performing wedding ceremonies to obtain a license first.
Last month, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the company that oversees all merchandising related to Presley, sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple Las Vegas chapels [via Las Vegas Review-Journal]. The documents reportedly claimed trademark infringement, the company arguing that the establishments had exercised unauthorized use of "Presley's name, likeness, voice image, and other elements." (ABG has trademarked "Elvis," "Elvis Presley," and "The King of Rock and Roll," among other things.)
"As the guardians of the Elvis Presley estate, it is our responsibility to safeguard his legacy," a spokesperson for ABG explained in a statement, issued to Billboard yesterday (June 1). "This includes ensuring that all products, services and advertisements utilizing Elvis' name, image or likeness are officially licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises."
The statement continued: "The estate has strong relationships with official Elvis tribute artists, fan clubs and festivals, as well as a robust global network of licensed merchandise partners," clarifying the purpose of the summonses. "There is no intention to shut down chapels that offer Elvis packages in Las Vegas. We are seeking to partner with each of these small businesses to ensure that their use of Elvis' name, image and likeness are officially licensed and authorized by the estate, so they can continue their operations."
"Elvis is embedded into the fabric of Las Vegas history," the ABG spokesperson concluded, "and we are committed to protecting and expanding his legacy for generations to come."
Local attorney Mark Tratos, who helped ABG write their cease-and-desist letters, assured the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Elvis-themed stage shows shouldn't be affected by the new restrictions at wedding chapels, as impersonations within live shows are protected under the state's "right of publicity" statute.
Vegas's wedding industry generates an annual $2 billion USD, with Elvis-themed nuptials being especially popular. People just can't help falling in love.
Just in time for Valentine's Day in February, we got the first trailer for Baz Luhrmann's long-in-the-making Elvis biopic.
Last month, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the company that oversees all merchandising related to Presley, sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple Las Vegas chapels [via Las Vegas Review-Journal]. The documents reportedly claimed trademark infringement, the company arguing that the establishments had exercised unauthorized use of "Presley's name, likeness, voice image, and other elements." (ABG has trademarked "Elvis," "Elvis Presley," and "The King of Rock and Roll," among other things.)
"As the guardians of the Elvis Presley estate, it is our responsibility to safeguard his legacy," a spokesperson for ABG explained in a statement, issued to Billboard yesterday (June 1). "This includes ensuring that all products, services and advertisements utilizing Elvis' name, image or likeness are officially licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises."
The statement continued: "The estate has strong relationships with official Elvis tribute artists, fan clubs and festivals, as well as a robust global network of licensed merchandise partners," clarifying the purpose of the summonses. "There is no intention to shut down chapels that offer Elvis packages in Las Vegas. We are seeking to partner with each of these small businesses to ensure that their use of Elvis' name, image and likeness are officially licensed and authorized by the estate, so they can continue their operations."
"Elvis is embedded into the fabric of Las Vegas history," the ABG spokesperson concluded, "and we are committed to protecting and expanding his legacy for generations to come."
Local attorney Mark Tratos, who helped ABG write their cease-and-desist letters, assured the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Elvis-themed stage shows shouldn't be affected by the new restrictions at wedding chapels, as impersonations within live shows are protected under the state's "right of publicity" statute.
Vegas's wedding industry generates an annual $2 billion USD, with Elvis-themed nuptials being especially popular. People just can't help falling in love.
Just in time for Valentine's Day in February, we got the first trailer for Baz Luhrmann's long-in-the-making Elvis biopic.
