What that means for the deal between Verizon and UMG is not clear. Usually, operators either pay cash or provide in-kind promotion for labels in return for an exclusive. Sources close to the situation say UMG will not reimburse Verizon in any way for ending the exclusive early, citing Verizon's voluntary decision to remove the ringtones. The origin of the dispute dates back to March, when Verizon refused to enter into an endorsement agreement with the Marley estate after Blackwell asked for $1 million. "I am infuriated that Verizon would go around the estate and initiate partnership with Universal Music Group," said Blackwell in a statement. "We cannot and will not allow Bob Marley's name and likeness to be used in such a manner without the authorization of the family." Should the lawsuits proceed, they will raise an interesting issue over whether the use of an artist's image to promote mobile content in fact amounts to an endorsement. UMG feels it does not.