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Clint Won't Stand for 'Eastwood' ChairBy DEBORAH NATHAN, ESQ., Andrews Publications Staff WriterAcademy Award winner Clint Eastwood is seeking a federal court injunction against a furniture company that has dubbed one of its home-theater chairs the "Eastwood." The acclaimed actor/director says Palliser Furniture Corp. is using his name without authorization.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, explains that Eastwood has a long history of rejecting third-party licenses, preferring to reserve his personality rights for films and other business ventures he is personally involved with. Palliser never sought permission to use Eastwood's name, according to the suit. The use of Eastwood's name in connection with the chair gives the false impression that he is somehow associated with the manufacturer, it alleges. Eastwood is seeking to recover any profits Palliser has earned through the sale of the "Eastwood" and punitive damages for the defendant's "knowing, willful and conscious disregard" of his rights. Eastwood, a Hollywood fixture for 50 years, gained fame in gritty roles ranging from his portrayal of Rowdy Yates on the 1960s television series "Rawhide" to detective Harry Callahan in the "Dirty Harry" movies. He won best director Oscars for "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby." To comment, ask questions or contribute articles, contact West.Andrews.Editor@Thomson.com. Eastwood v. Palliser Furniture Ltd. et al., No. 08-0266, complaint filed (C.D. Cal. Jan. 16, 2008). Intellectual Property Litigation Reporter Volume 14, Issue 22 01/30/2008 West, a Thomson business. All Rights Reserved. |










