Marr vs Morrissey: The Smiths trademark ownership claims denied

In recent weeks, Morrissey, the lead singer from the band The Smiths, has made a series of accusations aimed at his former bandmate Johnny Marr.  

He has claimed that Marr ignored an offer for a 2025 tour, that the guitarist blocked the release of a greatest hits album titled ‘Smiths Rule OK!’, and that Marr owns the copyright to the band’s name, an action that was done “without any consultation to Morrissey, and without allowing Morrissey the standard opportunity of ‘objection’.” In Morrissey’s eyes, this would allow the group to tour with a new frontman.

Now, through his management, Marr has responded to Morrissey’s various allegations.

It was confirmed that a reunion tour was offered to Marr: “I didn’t ignore the offer,” Marr wrote. “I said no.” 

Regarding a compilation album, Marr verified Morrissey’s account, explaining that he declined Warner Music Group’s offer to release a greatest-hits album “given the number already in existence.” 

Concerning The Smiths trademark, Marr’s management said that, in 2018, “Marr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting The Smiths’ name.” Morrissey apparently did not respond to Marr, which led the latter musician “to register the trademark himself.”

Addressing the speculation about Marr touring with a different singer under the name The Smiths, Marr’s management has confirmed there are no such plans and that this is false. 

Here is the statement from Johnny Marr’s management: 

“Recent statements made by Morrissey on his website regarding the trademark of The Smiths’ name are incorrect. 

Here are the facts: 

In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use The Smiths’ name – and upon discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band – Marr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting The Smiths’ name. 

A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself. It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey’s lawyers that this trademark was held for the mutual benefit of Morrissey & Marr. 

As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an assignment of joint ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign. 

In the interests of accuracy and clarity regarding the trademark, and to answer recent reports that Marr ignored a promoter’s offer to tour as The Smiths, Marr says: 

“To prevent third parties from profiting from the band’s name, it was left to me to protect the legacy. This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former bandmates.” 

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“As for the offer to tour, I didn’t ignore the offer – I said no.” 

Additionally, speculation about Johnny Marr touring with a different singer as The Smiths is not true. There are no such plans. 

Johnny Marr also confirms that he declined a suggestion for another greatest hits compilation from Warner Music Group given the number already in existence.”

The Smiths broke up in 1987 after six years together and four albums: ‘The Smiths’ (1984), ‘Meat Is Murder’ (1985), ‘The Queen Is Dead’ (1986), and ‘Strangeways, Here We Come’ (1987).  

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Since disbanding, both Marr and Morrissey have had numerous disputes, particularly over their different political views.  

Morrissey has divided fans with comments praising Brexiteer Nigel Farage, his praise for far-right anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, his comments referring to Hitler as ‘left wing’, as well as advocating for far right political party For Britain, which was founded by the anti-Islam activist Anne Marie Waters.  

Not a particularly charming man… And now apparently one who spreads falsehoods about his ex-bandmate.