FindLaw Legal News
      http://news.findlaw.com
Clint Won't Stand for 'Eastwood' Chair
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008
Andrews Logo Thomson Logo

Clint Won't Stand for 'Eastwood' Chair

By DEBORAH NATHAN, ESQ., Andrews Publications Staff Writer

Academy 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

Copyright 2008
FindLaw, a Thomson Reuters business. All Rights Reserved.

Company | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer Copyright © 1994-2009 FindLaw