In a surprising development, Morrissey has claimed that Johnny Marr now holds full ownership of The Smiths’ trademark rights and intellectual property. According to a post shared by the former frontman on his official website (September 15), Marr has acquired these rights without Morrissey's consent or prior notice.
The post alleges that Marr’s application was approved without consultation, giving him complete control over The Smiths’ name and branding. “J Marr has successfully applied for 100 per cent trademark rights / Intellectual Property ownership of The Smiths name, amongst many other things, this means that Marr can now tour as The Smiths using the vocalist of his choice, and it also prohibits Morrissey from using the name whilst also denying Morrissey considerable financial livelihood,” Morrissey wrote, adding that the decision prohibits him from using the band's name, despite having created it in 1982. Morrissey also expressed concern that this move could significantly impact his financial livelihood.
The strained relationship between Morrissey and Marr, former bandmates during The Smiths' six-year run, has been well-documented, especially in recent years as their political differences have come to light. The feud has only intensified, with Morrissey recently accusing Marr of blocking the release of a 'Greatest Hits' album and shutting down a potential Smiths reunion.
If Morrissey’s claims are true, Johnny Marr could legally embark on a Smiths tour without his former frontman, further deepening the rift between the two.
This isn’t the first time Morrissey has used his platform to express his frustrations. In recent months, he’s also claimed to be “gagged” regarding the release of his solo album Bonfire Of The Teenagers, which remains unreleased, and lamented that he’s being erased from the legacy of The Smiths.
Johnny Marr has yet to publicly respond to Morrissey’s latest claims, but in previous interviews, Marr has expressed a desire to separate his current work from the ongoing controversies surrounding his former bandmate.
