His drawings have travelled the world, and yet he has seen nothing in return. Jurek Zamoyski, a Polish artist, has just brought legal action against the Marley family, via the merchandising companies Zion Rootswear, Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd and Bob Marley Music Inc. He accuses them of having used and marketed three of his drawings (including the illustration alongside) without his permission, reports the Yardflex site.
It had all started so well. In the early 90s, his company Jurek International Graphics struck up a partnership with the Marley family's companies to use his drawings on merchandise. The two parties agreed on royalties, duly paid to Jurek Zamoyski. But in 1999 his company went under, ending his partnership with the Marleys, who nonetheless carried on marketing his drawings.
Mr Zamoyski claims to have gathered evidence that his drawings were still being sold from 1999 onwards, without his having received any royalties since the end of the partnership. His attempts to approach the Marley family, including through his lawyer, were in vain. The two parties will therefore meet in court.