He’s not even alive, but Elvis can still get fans all shook up. News broke this week that his estate was blocking Las Vegas wedding chapels from using his likeness. It cause so much drama and confusion that Presley’s estate has clarified that it will require an impersonator performing wedding ceremonies to obtain a LICENCE 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.)
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.” 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 bringing in the peanut butter & banana sandwiches!
Austin Butler stars as Elvis and Tom Hanks stars as the Coronial is the new Elvis bio-pic out June 24/2022. Here’s a look:
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