Since his passing, the legend of Jimi Hendrix has grown. The rock legend and guitar genius has found new fans over the last few decades thanks to licensing opportunities which have seen Jimi’s name and likeness on everything from shirts to lighters. Someone in his family feels like profits aren’t being split equally.
Per High Times
A lawsuit was filed last Thursday on behalf of Leon Hendrix, his business partner Andrew Pitsicalis and their companies, Rockin Artwork, LLC & Purple Haze Properties, LLC for defamation, trade libel, tortious interference and violations of the Consumer Protection Act.
The new lawsuit stems from a false and misleading press release Experience Hendrix, LLC and Authentic Hendrix, LLC put out announcing their latest misguided attempt to deny Leon Hendrix, Andrew Pitsicalis and their companies’ entitlements to create Jimi Hendrix products, which they have done legitimately for over a decade.
“I can’t imagine that my brother Jimi wouldn’t have looked out for me as he did so many times when he was alive. I also believe he would want his nieces and nephews to benefit from his legacy as well, and that is all we keep trying to do,” Leon Hendrix explained. “Run our companies and benefit from our vision of Jimi, and the courts have agreed. We just want to be allowed to do our part in peace. That’s all.”
“We have filed this suit to show the world, once again, that Leon and his Family have a right to Jimi’s legacy too,” Pitsicalis continued. “We have built two great companies that produce amazing products for Jimi’s fans. We are an alternate source to obtain a license granting use of our proprietary and exclusive images and other assets not available to the estate since they belong to Rockin Artwork & Purple Haze Properties.”
Since 2009, Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s adopotive sister has been in a legal fight with his brother Leon over the Hendrix licensing, Leon’s company.