OFF BEAT: Bogart, Burberry no longer 'entrenched' in lawsuit
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Humphrey Bogart’s heirs and the Burberry Group P.L.C. reportedly have ended a squabble over the use of the actor’s iconic trench coat in advertising.
According to news reports, Burberry, which uses an image from the film “Casablanca” of the actor wearing one of its trench coats, has dropped a lawsuit it filed in Manhattan in May, in which it asked for a declaration that the use of Mr. Bogart’s name and photo did not infringe Bogart L.L.C.’s trademark.
Bogart L.L.C., which is primarily owned by Mr. Bogart’s children, had responded to the lawsuit by filing a trademark-infringement suit in state court in California, claiming that Burberry “designed, manufactured and sold numerous apparel and accessory products” as well as created marketing materials making use of its intellectual property.
They said the use of the actor’s photo gave the public the false impression of an endorsement of the company’s coats.
The children’s lawsuit sought damages, including punitive damages, and an injunction to keep Burberry from suing Mr. Bogart’s name or image, and estimated one claim alone would be for at least $1 million, according to the reports.
But despite the apparent settlement, it’s probably a fair bet that, to quote Casablanca’s closing line, neither party is saying to the other, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
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