Statement from Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Limited on Lawsuit Against Bob Marley's Brother

Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Limited the entity managed and operated by Bob Marley's heirs, which includes his widow Rita Marley and Bob's children has released an official statement on their current legal battle with Bob Marley's half brother, Richard Booker.


The release while acknowledging the lawsuit filed against Booker states that its reason is to "protect the Marley name and to prevent consumer confusion." It is the company's duty to ensure that "all authorized uses of Bob Marley's name and likeness are licensed and approved as to style, quality and safety guidelines."

The rest of the release states:
"Rather than accept the license offered to him by the family, Mr. Booker, son of Cedella Booker, Bob Marley's mother, decided to proceed on his own and use Bob Marley's name, image and likeness without a license. Each family member that operates a business and uses intellectual property associated with Bob Marley must get a license. Mr. Booker is no different.

While the family was compelled to file this lawsuit by Mr. Booker's unfortunate decision, they are hopeful that they will be able to amicably resolve their dispute with Mr. Booker and remain ready and willing to do so.

Short of such a resolution, though, the family is prepared to protect their valuable rights in federal court.

The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division".