Frankenstein’s Heirs Suing Universal Studios for Monster Cash

Inthe 1930s and 1940s, film star Lon Chaney Jr. took on the roles of such famousmovie monsters as Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Wolf Man.  Now his heirs are seeking $1 million indamages from Universal Studios for exploiting his likeness.

ChaneyEntertainment, the company Chaney’s heirs now run, claims Universal continued negotiatinglicensing agreements even after Universal’s appointment as exclusiverepresentative of Chaney’s likeness rights expired in 2008.  The heirs are also seeking unpaid royalties owedfrom previous licensing agreements.

See Eriq Gardner, Universal Sued by ‘Frankenstein’ Actor’sHeirs, The Hollywood Reporter, June 4, 2013.