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The company that sent cease-and-desist letters to Elvis Presley wedding chapels in Las Vegas is defending the move, saying it has no intention of putting the tourist attractions out of business.
In a statement, Authentic Brands Group -- which owns the rights to Presley's name and likeness -- says it only wants to protect the King's legacy. "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 they can continue their operations," the statement reads. "Elvis is embedded into the fabric of Las Vegas history."
One part of Presley's Las Vegas legacy that can't be controlled by Authentic Brands, however, are the city's Elvis-themed stage shows. Under Nevada's right of publicity law, impersonating someone in a live performance is perfectly legal, according to Vegas attorney Mark Tratos. "An Elvis show is a performer essentially entertaining others by re-creating that person onstage," Tratos says.
Is there anyone who believes Elvis wedding chapels are in any way related to Presley's estate?