Revelations Perfume and Cosmetics launched the first of a planned range of 3121 fragrances in June last year, named after the artist’s 2006 album.
A princely perfume
The company entered into an agreement with the artist’s record label Universal Music Publishing Group in December 2006 for the products using Prince’s name and image.
However, Revelations has now filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court against Prince for lack of support in promoting the perfume, according to press reports.
Back in May 2007, Revolutions Perfume and Cosmetics announced the launch of the new scent: “We have been working intimately with Prince on this innovative project and are thrilled to share the stage with a true creative genius.”
Evidently, Prince’s involvement post creation has been lacking as the lawsuit claims that since July 2007, despite repeated attempts, there have been ‘virtually no communications from anyone who could commit or coordinate promotional efforts by Prince’.
Revelations Perfume and Cosmetics, which boasts a number of other celebrity ranges on its books including that of surfer Bethany Hamilton, is asking for $100,000 for Prince’s breach of contract.
According to the lawsuit, under the agreement Prince’s record company Universal Music Publishing Group would receive 50 per cent of the net profits from the fragrance sales and in return Prince would be available for certain marketing opportunities.
Universal said in a statement that the claims were completely without merit.