WORLD> America
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Jackson film greenlit; merchandise gets a yellow
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-11 17:31
Beckloff had until Monday to approve the film and allowed Jackson's mother, Katherine, to review the contracts and raise any objections. Katherine Jackson did not object to the film, but her attorneys have raised questions about other agreements concerning AEG Live and merchandiser Bravado. The estate wants to enter into agreements with the two companies for a museum show of Jackson memorabilia and merchandising. The memorabilia show would be on display in three cities which have not yet been announced. A proposed agreement calls for Bravado to receive worldwide rights to Jackson merchandise, including items such as trading cards, apparel and cell phone themes. Levitch, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, said he has raised several issues with the proposed agreements. He said the he was "not sure (AEG) would have been the first choice" to put on the museum tour. Katherine Jackson's attorneys have frequently cited possible investigations into AEG's conduct and conflict of interests during court hearings.
Katherine Jackson's attorneys argued Monday that the singer's estate should own the footage and have control over who uses it after the movie deal is complete. "Under no circumstances would AEG agree to such a thing," Jorrie said. As part of agreements pending before the judge, AEG would have rights to use the footage indefinitely. Howard Weitzman, an attorney representing the estate's current administrators, said some of Katherine Jackson's suggestions are "not acceptable." He said the contracts were aggressively negotiated and there was little room to strike a better deal. "We feel that we're being second-guessed," Weitzman said. "I'm not sure why."
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