The company that owns the "Elvis" name has told chapel operators to stop using Elvis impersonators as part of their wedding package.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that the Authentic Brands Group, who own the trademark rights to the names "Elvis," "Elvis Presley," "and "The King of Rock and Roll," have notified all Vegas wedding chapels they could no longer use the names or likeness.
Saying, "That's Not Alright Mama" chapel owners were stunned to receive the cease and desist letter. A spokesman for Authentic Brands said they are not trying to "shut down chapels that offer Elvis packages in Las Vegas. We are seeking to partner with each of these small businesses to ensure that their use of Elvis' name, image, and likeness are officially licensed and authorized by the estate so that they can continue their operations. Elvis is embedded into the fabric of Las Vegas history."
According to the article, the licensing company oversees the estates of big names like movie star Marilyn Monroe, boxer Muhammad Ali and 50 consumer brands.
One chapel owner Kent Ripley, whose business is called Elvis Weddings, said he has never run into this issue in 25 years of performing as Elvis. Ripley asked, "They want to protect the Elvis brand. But what are they protecting by taking Elvis away from the public?"
The article then went on to say that the city's wedding industry generates $2 billion a year, and officials say Elvis-themed weddings represent a significant number of the ceremonies performed.
And it seems that the company that owns the right to the name want a little piece of that action.
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