LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s estate has won a preliminary injunction against a group using the name of the superstar’s former charitable group.
U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee on Monday ordered the current Heal the World Foundation to stop using Jackson’s likeness and any trademarks that belong to his estate.
Jackson’s estate sued the owners of the foundation last year, claiming copyright infringement. They also claimed the site was improperly using Jackson’s name and likeness to solicit donations.
Jackson created a charity based on his hit song “Heal the World” in 1992. It was later dissolved.
Gee’s ruling said the new website, which has its references to Jackson, misled consumers.
An e-mail seeking comment from foundation president Melissa Johnson was not immediately returned.
