Indianapolis, Indiana – Intellectual property lawyers for The Bettie Page Trust of Indianapolis, IN, and its administrator Mark A. Roesler, have filed a lawsuit alleging Stockingirl.com of Connecticut and its principal Edward Miccinati are infringing trademarks, copyrights, rights of publicity, and other intellectual property of the late “pin-up” queen Bettie Page.
Defendants are in the business of producing and selling, over the Internet, “women’s leg wear, stockings, and/or lingerie.” The complaint states that the trust has previously entered into license agreements with the defendants, but that the defendants are now, without approval, marketing women’s undergarments under brand names incorporating the word “Bettie.” Trademark infringement, false endorsement, violations of the statutory and common law rights of publicity, and unfair competition are among the causes of action raised.
This case has been assigned to Chief Judge Richard L. Young and Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker in the Southern District of Indiana, and assigned case no. 1:10-cv-00251-RLY-TAB.
Practice Tip: While not as well-known as patents and trademarks, the right of publicity is an intellectual property right prohibiting the unauthorized commercial use of an individual’s name, likeness, or other recognizable aspect of identity (such as singing voice); it is grounded in state statutory and common law and protection can vary from state to state.Complaint – Bettie v. Stockingirl
Further information about this case is as follows:
Filed: March 2, 2010 as 1:2010cv00251 Updated: March 30, 2010 17:04:00
Presiding Judge: Judge Richard L. Young
Referring Judge: Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker
Cause Of Action: Trademark Infringement
Court: Seventh Circuit > Indiana > Southern District Court
Type: Intellectual Property > Trademark