The Scottish village which says it's the ancestral home of Elvis Presley, has been told by the late singer's estate that it can't use his name. Lonmay, in Aberdeenshire, has been told by Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc that they object to any unauthorised use of their trademarks.
The company controls rights to the rock legend's image from his former home - Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.
Media director Todd Morgan said: "We are always open to hearing proposals from any entity seeking the appropriate and necessary permissions."
The Ban Car Hotel had discussed plans to commemorate Elvis, possibly by changing its name to Heartbreak Hotel or renaming one of its dining areas.
Scottish author Allan Morrison claimed earlier this week he'd traced Elvis's ancestors back to Lonmay.
Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson criticised Graceland's 'heavy-handed' tactics, says the Daily Record.
He said: "They should be flattered to be linked to Scotland. I am sure whatever they try to do, we will see people coming from America and all over the world to see where the great man came from. This is a gross over-reaction and if Graceland have a look at the situation they will realise we are a little bit off taking over their mantle."
Updated 26/03 with reaction Todd Morgan from EPE:
We plead innocent of all charges!
A couple of reporters doing stories on Elvis and Lonmay asked us how we'd feel about Lonmay's using Elvis to promote tourism there and to do merchandising. One asked if we object to unauthorized use of our trademarks - yes, what trademark holder doesn't? One asked what the procedures are for licensing and how we deal with infringements. These two reporters chose to make stories suggesting that we were "warning" Lonmay or something like that. Absolutely not true.
We've actually not heard from any officials in Lonmay, but we'll probably try to get in touch to let them know that a couple of recent news stories are terribly misleading. We work with communities, museums, festivals, charities and such all over the world with Elvis promotions all the time and we'll look forward to hearing from the good people of Lonmay should they want our assistance with something.
We all know how inaccurate the press has been over the years in their stories about Elvis. It's painful that some of the fans who know this don't stop and think that the things they read about EPE could be just as inaccurate. The press, once again, has created a controversy where none exists. They're very good at that.
EPE Comes Down Hard On Scottish Village (Updated)
March 26, 2004 | Other Source:AnanovaJim Semple wrote on
March 25, 2004
It's about time EPE relaxed their policy. Who care's if there is no Scottish connection with Elvis but hey, it's great publicity for Elvis.
Colin B wrote on
March 25, 2004
The Elvis Estate's exclusive rights to the names 'Elvis' & 'Presley' aren't worth sqat in the UK ! Our law courts have already ruled on that one !
Colin B wrote on
March 30, 2004
Todd Morgan's 26/03 update [see main item] throws a different light on things! Just thought I'd mention it in case anyone missed it.
Brian Quinn wrote on
March 26, 2004
I agree with the approach by EPE. There are too many people making money out of Elvis as it is.
MauriceColgan wrote on
March 28, 2004
This story led to an "Evening Herald" Ireland reporter contacting me, his story led me into a TV and Radio interview, followed by a call from a Sunday newspaper. Elvis just keeps rolling on - If a body meets a body rockin' thru the rye :-) EPE, send the cheque for FREE publicity to :-)
EPE wrote on
March 25, 2004
We plead innocent of all charges!
A couple of reporters doing stories on Elvis and Lonmay asked us how we'd feel about Lonmay's using Elvis to promote tourism there and to do merchandising. One asked if we object to unauthorized use of our trademarks - yes, what trademark holder doesn't? One asked what the procedures are for licensing and how we deal with infringements. These two reporters chose to make stories suggesting that we were "warning" Lonmay or something like that. Absolutely not true.
We've actually not heard from any officials in Lonmay, but we'll probably try to get in touch to let them know that a couple of recent news stories are terribly misleading. We work with communities, museums, festivals, charities and such all over the world with Elvis promotions all the time and we'll look forward to hearing from the good people of Lonmay should they want our assistance with something.
We all know how inaccurate the press has been over the years in their stories about Elvis. It's painful that some of the fans who know this don't stop and think that the things they read about EPE could be just as inaccurate. The press, once again, has created a controversy where none exists. They're very good at that.
dismas wrote on
March 25, 2004
EPE needs to learn when to lighten up a bit. Protecting Elvis's name and image is one thing, but wielding its legal power over the world like a feudal warlord intimidating the peasants is totally uncalled for. I'm fairly certain that Elvis wouldn't have approved of such boorish behavior. All EPE winds up doing in a situation like this is splattering itself with negative publicity.
Dan The Man wrote on
March 25, 2004
I Think this is a good example how some people just judge to fast! Have a nice Day
John Burrows wrote on
March 27, 2004
I must agree with the last threads, as far as EPE goes they should lighten up. Coln B you are right, there is not a damn thing EPE can do in the UK. Both the High court and the High Court of appeal in the UK proved that. The words 'Elvis' and 'Presley' have no copyright laws there. In America you cant even name your pussycat 'Elvis' without permission. As they say 'Only in America'.
gribz wrote on
March 25, 2004
Colon B. In the U.K the law has even stricter controls on these type of issues. Elvis should have been Knighted years ago. They gave Bill Gates a Knighthood. However, without Elvis, the rest of the world may have never heard of the Beatles...
mleal024 wrote on
April 12, 2004
Elvis honoured by Presley tartan. Elvis Presley visited Scotland briefly in 1960. A special Presley tartan has been designed to honour the King of Rock and Roll's north east of Scotland roots. Elvis's alleged roots can be traced back to tiny Lonmay in Aberdeenshire.
Now an official Presley of Lonmay tartan has been invented. It is made up of four different colours - blue, grey, green and yellow. The kilt even comes complete with a sporran engraved with thistles and a bald eagle - marking the Scottish and American link. Lonmay's only hotel now plans to deck itself out in the tartan in recognition of the Elvis connection.
The Presley of Lonmay tartan inventor, Mike King, is a known tartan designer and director of the Aberdeen menswear and tartan hire family firm Philip King.
Elvis link: He hopes the Presley of Lonmay tartan will win fans throughout the world. Mr King, 59, said: "I am very proud of this Presley of Lonmay tartan as I bought his records when I was younger and am a fan.
"We used blue to represent the nearby town of Peterhead - the Blue Toon - as well as grey for the skies, green for countryside grass, and yellow for local cornfields.
"The sporran is gold and engraved with thistles and a bald eagle to show the Scottish and American link."
David Gibbins, owner of Lonmay's Ban-Car Hotel, said: "It's a great idea and I wish the kilt maker luck.
"It's a nice tartan.
"We are refurbishing our lounge so we plan to use the Presley of Lonmay tartan to re-decorate."
Ian Hainey, Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board's spokesman, said: "Hopefully this is the start of entrepreneurs and local businesses moving in to take advantage of the Elvis link and help tourism in the area."
jill20scotland wrote on
March 31, 2004
Well..im scottish and i'd just like to say that i think this Elvis being scottish thing has made people go a little crazy ..i mean its great news but everyone here in scotland are having fun and singing Elvis songs in scottish accents and calling him Elvis McPresley , And I think its fantastic...It explains why im so wild! boy where all are here.
Anyway people EPE and Todd wouldn't say things like that to us Scottish people cause they would'nt get away with it for 1 and secondly at the end of the day they are really sweet people who love Elvis .....just like us!! God Bless