The estate of Sam Shaw, the photographer and one of Marilyn Monroe's closest friends, has won a lawsuit which hinged on if the actress was indeed a New Yorker.

US Judge Colleen McMahon affirmed details on September 2nd, and assured that since Monroe was a New Yorker, the Shaw Family Archives are permitted the right to licence the photographs taken by Sam Shaw.

Shaw was responsible for one of the most famous photos of the star, standing over a New York subway grate in her iconic white dress.

The win ends years of litigation between Monroe's estate and the Shaw Family Archives, and is a major victory for Sam Shaw's children, Meta Stevens Shaw, Edith Marcus Shaw and the late Larry Shaw, all of whom reside and run the Archives in New York State.

The recent ruling in the Family's favour has created a large number of hits on the web and received numerous coverage on major TV networks.

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Established almost five years ago, the Shaw Family Archives licensing program is the premier destination for rare and private images of Monroe. It currently has upwards of 80 licensees worldwide.

"This ruling has been a long time coming for the rights of Shaw Family," said Michelle Minieri, president of Bradford Licensing. "We have been eagerly awaiting the time to introduce these family members within the licensing program and add an intimate feel with their amazing stories and anecdotes direct from Marilyn.

"And with Bradford's 25+ years of expertise in the licensing industry, we have strong support to put behind Shaw Family, projecting them as a leading brand in today's global marketplace."

The ruling follows that last week of Legends Licensing over images of Monroe.