Michael Jackson's father sued over fragrance bearing son's name

Michael Jackson's father has raised a stink after attempting to launch a range of King of Pop perfumes. Joe Jackson is being sued by a company that claims the exclusive right to sell Michael-branded products, challenging his plans for a fragrance range. "They can say whatever they want," Joe said. "I am the father, [Michael] was my son and I can decide what to do on his behalf and in his honour." Last week, Joe Jackson was to unveil two new fragrances, Jackson's Tribute for Men and Jackson's Legend for Women, in a deal with French perfumier Franck Rouas. The first is a men's scent, blending "mandarin, lemon and bergamot ... with drops of baiser rose wrapped in a woody heart of Canadian pine", according to a press release ; Legend, created for women, offers a "floral harmony of California lilac, jasmine and rose of Grasse, with a hint of mandarin, bergamot ... tonka bean and sandalwood". Ah yes, Canadian pine and tonka bean: characteristic odours of Michael Jackson. However, a company called Bravado is contesting its right to sell anything to do with Michael Jackson's name. In a lawsuit filed at a Los Angeles court, Bravado allege Joe Jackson and Franck Rouas are "unlicensed distributors who have been using the Michael Jackson trademark and/or a mark confusing similar thereto". The firm seeks a ban on sales of the perfume, plus $150,000 (£91,541) in damages. "There are many interests around the legacy of my son, companies that want everything, but I have a foundation that allows me to launch projects with his name, the name of my son," Jackson told Agence France-Presse . Michael's sister, LaToya Jackson, has also backed the perfumes, saying the family is "delighted with this tribute" and "the scents are delicious". Rouas claimed the perfumes will be on sale "very soon" in the US, with a French launch planned for September.