A statement from Johnny Marr's management:
Recent statements made by Morrissey on his website regarding the trademark of
The Smiths' name are incorrect.
Here are the facts:
In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use The Smiths' name - and upon
discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band - Marr reached out to
Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting The Smiths' name.
A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself.
It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey's lawyers that this trademark was held
for the mutual benefit of Morrissey & Marr.
As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an assignment of joint
ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign.
In the interests of accuracy and clarity regarding the trademark, and to answer
recent reports that Marr ignored a promoter's offer to tour as The Smiths, Marr says:
"To prevent third parties from profiting from the band's name, it was left to me
to protect the legacy. This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former
bandmates."
"As for the offer to tour, I didn't ignore the offer - I said no."
Additionally, speculation about Johnny Marr touring with a different singer as
The Smiths is not true. There are no such plans.
Johnny Marr also confirms that he declined a suggestion for another greatest hits
compilation from Warner Music Group given the number already in existence.
Related items:
- Morrissey Central: "THE PLOT THICKENS" - September 15, 2024
- Morrissey Central: "SMITHS NOT OK" - September 11, 2024
- Morrissey Central: "WAR IS OLD, ART IS YOUNG" - August 29, 2024
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