Johnny Marr rubbishes Morrissey’s claim about Smiths trademark

Johnny Marr’s lawyers said the trademark was obtained in 2018 upon discovery that it was not owned by the band. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Johnny Marr has rejected the claim made by Morrissey that he had acquired the trademark for the Smiths “without any consultation”.

Morrissey, the group’s lead singer who last week accused Marr of blocking the release of a greatest hits album, said on Monday that Marr had the copyright and that could allow the group to tour with a new vocalist.