Johnny Marr clears up comments from Morrissey about tradmarking The Smiths name: "Here are the facts"

The statement on his website read: "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 name 'The Smiths' in May 1982."

Johnny Marr has now shared his own statement clearing up these claims.

A statement from Marr's management revealed that “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." They share that Morrissey failed to respond, and so Marr registered the trademark on his own.

"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," they continue.­­ For clarity, they added a quote from Marr himself, which reveals that he didn't ignore an offer for a reunion tour, as Morrissey suggested, he simply said "no".