It was left to me to protect the legacy. This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former bandmates: Johnny Marr hits back over Morrisseys Smiths trademark claims [Video]

The war of words between Morrissey and Johnny Marr goes on, with the guitarist refuting claims that he’s acquired his old band’s trademark without consulting his erstwhile creative partner and has blocked a new Smiths’ Greatest Hits album.

Earlier this week, the 65-year-old singer posted a message on his Morrissey Central website, saying “J Marr has successfully applied for 100% trademark rights / Intellectual Property ownership of The Smiths name. His application has been accepted on whatever oaths or proclamations he has put forward. This action was done without any consultation to Morrissey, and without allowing Morrissey the standard opportunity of ‘objection’.

“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 alone created the musical unit named The Smiths in May 1982.’

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