The Bitter Feud Over the Legacy of the Ramones
Years of disputes over the control of the Ramones’ legacy have escalated, with the brother of Joey Ramone, Mickey Leigh, suing the widow of Johnny Ramone, Linda Cummings-Ramone, accusing her of trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and breach of contract.
The Dispute
The two parties each control 50% of Ramones Productions, the company that holds the intellectual property rights of the punk band. Joey Ramone, the lead vocalist, died in 2001, and Johnny Ramone, the guitarist, in 2004. In the lawsuit, Mickey Leigh, whose legal name is Mitchel Hyman, accuses Linda Cummings-Ramone of improperly exploiting the band’s legacy and leveraging its intellectual property "for her own fame and vanity."
The Background
The dispute dates back to 2018, when Mickey Leigh took Linda Cummings-Ramone to arbitration over the usage of Ramones trademarks in an annual tribute event for Johnny Ramone. He also objected to her adoption of the name "Linda Ramone," which he said falsely portrayed her as the "keeper of the legacy" of the group. In 2022, Linda Cummings-Ramone sued Mickey Leigh, accusing him of wrongfully developing a Ramones biopic without her approval.
The Legal Issues
The lawsuit accuses Linda Cummings-Ramone of trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and breach of contract. The legal issues surrounding the dispute highlight the complexity of intellectual property rights and the challenges of resolving disputes between joint owners of a company.
Expert Insights
Alan Fisch, a veteran intellectual properties litigator, explained that simply owning half of the company does not grant one control over its intellectual assets. "Just because she owns half of the business doesn’t mean she has an unfettered right to use its intellectual property," he said. "That each of the two shareholders have different views is part of the challenge that they’ve created for themselves in being 50 percent owners."
The Personal Factor
The rivalry between Mickey Leigh and Linda Cummings-Ramone reflects the famously chilly relationship between Joey and Johnny Ramone. Before she began dating Johnny Ramone, Linda Cummings-Ramone was in a multi-year relationship with Joey Ramone.
Conclusion
The dispute over the legacy of the Ramones is a complex and bitter one, with both parties claiming ownership and control over the band’s intellectual property. The legal issues involved highlight the challenges of resolving disputes between joint owners of a company. Ultimately, the feud reflects the personal and professional tensions that have arisen between the two parties, which threaten to undermine the legacy of the Ramones.
FAQs
Q: Who are the two parties involved in the dispute over the Ramones’ legacy?
A: Mickey Leigh, the brother of Joey Ramone, and Linda Cummings-Ramone, the widow of Johnny Ramone.
Q: What is the nature of the dispute?
A: The dispute centers around control of the Ramones’ intellectual property rights, including trademarks, and allegations of trademark infringement and breach of contract.
Q: What is the ownership structure of Ramones Productions?
A: The company is owned equally by Mickey Leigh and Linda Cummings-Ramone, with each party controlling 50% of the company.
Q: What are the legal issues involved in the dispute?
A: The legal issues include allegations of trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and breach of contract.
Q: What is the potential impact of the dispute on the Ramones’ legacy?
A: The dispute could potentially undermine the legacy of the Ramones, with both parties making competing claims to control the band’s intellectual property rights.
Q: Are there any efforts underway to resolve the dispute?
A: Yes, the parties are involved in ongoing litigation and arbitration, with a legal dispute ongoing.
