The Michael Jackson Foundation vs. a Japanese Company

A Japanese company called “Michael Jackson Copyright in Asia” claims that it has the rights to sell items related to Michael Jackson.

Zia Madbar, one of the lawyers for the Michael Jackson Foundation, says: “Earlier this month, they called me and offered to sell this sales right back to the foundation itself. I clearly tell them that they don’t have such a right at all to sell it.”

This is the second clash between the foundation and Japanese parties. On Friday, a film about Michael was shown in cinemas in that country without the foundation’s permission. But the film’s advertisement says otherwise. The foundation has asked the cinemas to clarify the situation. None of the film producers are allowed to use Michael’s songs.

In Japan, the company mThink announced that it wants to design a mobile phone in cooperation with the Michael Jackson copyright company in Asia, and has named it “Michael Jackson Mobile Phone for Children.” The phone will feature Michael Jackson’s logo and will include a default app with Michael Jackson songs. Revenue from using this app will go to the foundation that supports children.

Madbar says the company’s claim may be based on the remnants of a contract that Michael intended to sign in 1998 with the current owner’s father of the company. But Madbar says that contract was never completed and never reached signature. He also says that even if it were true, the contract was only valid for 10 years and covered only specific projects, including an amusement park, a hotel, and a toy store. Madbar was Michael’s lawyer at the time and has recently been hired by the trustees of the Michael Jackson Foundation.

Source: eMJey / AP