The Misfits tend to put emphasis on the "horror" part but occasionally handling "business" becomes necessary. Such was the case when former vocalist/metal icon Glenn Danzig brought a lawsuit against his ex-band, alleging that it had partaken in illegal business deals that prevented him from getting a cut of Misfits merchandise profits. A judge ruled, however, that Danzig was unable to prove that the activity of the Misfits was in any way illegal.
Danzig served as the band's vocalist during its earliest and most iconic period, which is why he has any clout still with the group. According to his suit, a 1994 contract between himself and the band (more than ten years post his leaving) covered royalties her was owed for merchandise sold at outlets such as Hot Topic that carry the famous Misfits logo, a recognizable black and white skull with peering eyeballs. Judge Gary Klausner wrote in his decision that the details of the agreement don't seem to justify Danzig's complaints.
"The terms of the provision do not address any obligation regarding trademark registration or negotiations with individual retail merchandisers," he wrote. "Moreover, in reviewing the other provisions contained in the 1994 Agreement, the Court also finds no other terms that govern the parties' conduct as it pertains to trademarking and licensing."
The band, for its part, claimed that longtime guitarist and new vocalist Jerry Only secured exclusive rights to tour as The Misfits, and Danzig had previously made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with his first band.
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