Burberry sued for using Bogart's 'Casablanca' image on Facebook timeline | Albuquerque Express

Burberry sued for using Bogart's 'Casablanca' image on Facebook timeline

Albuquerque Express (ANI) Saturday 5th May, 2012

The estate of Humphrey Bogart has sued British-based clothes company 'Burberry' over the use of the Hollywood icon's name in what it alleges was an advertising campaign.

But Burberry has filed a counter suit, insisting it did not breach Bogart's rights by using a photo of Bogart wearing one of the brand's trench coats in the movie "Casablanca," and is even seeking damages from the actor's estate.

Both companies filed their legal action in the United States on Wednesday, a couple of weeks after the estate raised the issue with the classic English clothing company.

The Bogart Estate filed its action in Los Angeles, saying Burberry used the trench coat picture from the final scene of Oscar-winning 1942 classic "Casablanca," on Twitter and Facebook, without seeking its permission.

"Just as Burberry needed to obtain (Harry Potter actress) Emma Watson's consent before using her name and image to promote Burberry's brand and products, it needed to obtain permission from the Bogart Estate to use Humphrey Bogart's name," the New York Daily News quoted lawyer Michael O. Crain as saying.

"Burberry's business hinges on respect for its own intellectual property rights, so it is quite surprising to see that it apparently has so little respect for the clear rights of others," Crain said.

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