FANCY DRESS FIGHT OVER JACKSON MEMORABILIA

A British fancy dress firm is suing a New York company over its plans to sell Michael Jackson costumes.
Lincolnshire based Smiffy's sued Rubie's Costume Co in Manhattan Federal Court, claiming it has the worldwide rights to sell replica outfits.
The company, whose best-selling Jacko lines include a single-gloved Billie Jean costume and one from Bad, with a long black wig, claims Rubie's has already cost it more than $250,000  by make sales pitches to potential clients.
But Queens-based Rubie's claims it obtained rights to the Jackson clothes from a California company, according to the New York Daily News.
The lawsuit includes an e-mail sent by Rubie's Vice President Howard Beige which says: “Rubie's officially is the Worldwide Licensee for Michael Jackson Costumes and Accessories.
“He's going to be an iconic figure, like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, who will be a perennial seller.”
Rubie's already has the rights to market costumes by Elvis, and Beige believes sales of the King of Pop memorabilia will rival those of The King.