Kim Kardashian Sues Old Navy, Claims that Look is her Brand
In perhaps the most interesting, and sexy, intellectual property rights lawsuits, bombshell Kim Kardashian has sued Old Navy claiming that a recent advertisement by discount chain Old Navy contains an actress that looks too much like Kim Kardashian.
She is suing the chain, claiming that by using an actress, Mellisa Monaro, that looks similar to her, that they are infringing on her trademark look. According to the lawsuit, the advertisement was “purposely designed to intend to confuse, to cause mistake, and to deceive the public,” into thinking that Kardashian was somehow involved in the commercial.
Her attorney Gary Hecker said, "Kim Kardashian is immediately recognizable and is known for her look and style. Her identity and persona are valuable. When her intellectual property rights are violated, she intends to enforce them.”
According to the actress actually used in the commercial, Monaro, she was just representing a star-like personality in the commercial, and the casting call asked her to dress up as a star, not asking for any specific look. She claims that she looks just like herself, and that any look to Kardashian is purely coincidental.
In an interesting twist, rumors are that Reggie Bush, Kardashian's former boyfriend is now dating the look-alike, Mellisa Monaro.
This case raises significant questions about what intellectual property is, and in theory makes claims that a certain hair style, clothing attire and attitude can make a brand in itself.
What do you think? Here's the advertisement on YouTube.
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