Artist’s family says Mexico judge blocks improper use of brand
MEXICOCITY: A Mexican judge has blocked a company associated with US toymaker Mattel Inc from commercialising the image of artist Frida Kahlo, her family says, as it seeks to halt sales of a Barbie doll styled after the artist.
Mattel, which manufactures Hot Wheels toys and Barbies, launched an “inspiring women” series of dolls featuring the late painter in March.
The company said at the time that it had reached an agreement to manufacture the doll with the Frida Kahlo Corporation, which says on its website that it owns the trademark rights to the artist’s image worldwide.
But Mara Romero, Kahlo’s grand niece, has told local media that the rights belong to her and her family. The family’s official account, @FridaKahlo, tweeted that a Mexico City judge had ordered the Frida Kahlo Corporation to stop using the “brand, image and work of the illustrious painter Frida Kahlo” without permission from the owner of the rights.
Reuters was unable to determine to which court the family was referring, and the family did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither did representatives for Mattel in Mexico.
The Frida Kahlo Corporation, in an emailed statement, said: “It will continue its activities within the framework of respect for the law and in the exercise of its constitutional rights.” The corporation maintains it received the rights to the artist from Kahlo’s niece Isolda Pineda.