It looks like Run-D.M.C aren’t the only ones to face recent merchandise rights scrutiny. According to NME, Mötley Crüe is being sued over images used in its farewell tour merchandise collection.
Photographers Barry Levine and Neil Zlozower said they took multiple photos of Mötley Crüe on tour in the ’80s. These images are now being used unlawfully for tour merchandise.
Levine and Zlozower claim they never gave the band permission to use the tour photographs for T-shirts, vests, flags, stickers and even baby onesies.
The band sold these items during its last tour, running 2014 to 2015. Levine and Zlozower are suing the band for a cut of the merchandise profits. And, according to PetaPixel, the band reportedly sold more merchandise on this tour than ever before.
Mötley Crüe has not commented on the lawsuit.
For promotional products suppliers and distributors, it’s important to be vigilant with copyright laws and your merchandise. If not, you could be the victim of a lawsuit and forced to pay back royalties on items already sold.
