LAS VEGAS (AP) – Love chapels in Las Vegas that use the resemblance of Elvis Presley could become Heartbreak Hotels.
The licensing company, which controls the name and image of the “King”, orders the operators of the Chapel of the City of Sins to stop using Elvis in themed ceremonies, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Monday. Authentic Brands Group in early May sent closure letters to several chapels that are expected to meet the requirements.
Because Elvis is so closely associated with the Vegas bridal industry, some say the move could destroy their business.
“We’re a family business, and now we hang out with big dogs,” said Kayla Collins, who along with her husband runs LasVegasElvisWeddingChapel.com and the Little Chapel of Hearts. “This is our bread and butter. I do not understand. We just went ahead again through COVID, then it happens. “
Clark County Clerk Lynn Goya, who ran a marketing campaign promoting Las Vegas as a venue for weddings, said the order to the chapels to stop using Elvis could not have happened at the worst time for the sector.
The city’s bridal industry brings in $ 2 billion a year, and officials say Elvis-themed weddings make up a significant number of ceremonies.
“It could destroy part of our wedding industry. A number of people may lose their livelihoods, ”Goya said.
In one of the chapels last weekend at a ceremony on the theme of “rock ‘n’ roll” changed a leather jacket, jeans and fedora Emperor Elvis, writes Review-Journal.
The Graceland Wedding Chapel, which holds 6,400 Elvis-themed weddings a year, has not yet received a warning, according to manager Rod Musum.
Authentic Brands Group did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment via email.
The licensing company controls the estates of such big names as movie star Marilyn Monroe and boxer Muhammad Ali, as well as 50 consumer brands.
In a letter of termination and refusal, the company said it would stop the unauthorized use of “Presley’s name, resemblance, voice and other elements of Elvis Presley’s persona in advertising, goods and more.” The letter also states that “Elvis”, “Elvis Presley” and “King of Rock and Roll” are trademarks.
According to Mark Tratas, this order should not turn into legal action against stage shows on Elvis in Las Vegas, such as “All Shook Up”, because pretending to be someone for live performances such as shows is considered an exception to the law. Nevada to the public. the local prosecutor who helped write the charter.
“The Elvis Show is a performer who, in fact, entertains others by bringing that person back on stage,” Tratas said.
Kent Ripley, whose business is called Elvis Weddings, said he has never faced the challenge in 25 years of playing Elvis.
“They want to protect the Elvis brand. But what are they defending by taking Elvis away from the public? ” Ripley asked.
