A U.S. judge has approved several deals that will allow Michael Jackson's estate to start producing selected merchandise bearing the late King of Pop's likeness.
The deals will pave the way for Jackson-themed calendars, school supplies, posters, as well as reprints of Jackson's 1988 autobiography "Moonwalk," among other items.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff signed off on the deals on Friday, which were presented to the court by the current administrators of Jackson's estate.
On Monday, another hearing will determine if other Jackson deals can go forward, including a movie project involving footage of the pop star's final concert rehearsals.
Columbia Pictures has offered US$60 million for the rights to the footage for Jackson's "This is It" concert rehearsals, in a deal that must be sealed up Monday.
The Monday hearing will also decide whether merchandiser Bravado will get the worldwide distribution rights to a variety of Jackson-related merchandise, including lighters, apparel and trading cards, as well as stuffed animals that play Jackson's music and virtual goods on Second Life.
A lawyer for the Jackson estate administrators -- attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain -- previously told the court that the merchandising deals could be worth tens of millions of dollars.
The 50-year-old pop singer died June 25.
In the wake of Jackson's death, the sales of his albums have soared and his estate is in a position to capitalize on the heightened interest in the singer's work.
Jackson's assets are being placed in a private trust, with four-fifths of the estate going to his three children and his mother, with the remainder going to various charities.
With files from The Associated Press
