Reuters - Steve McQueen's estate sues over clothing line

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Steve McQueen's estate sues over clothing line

Tuesday, Mar 25, 2008 10:6PM UTC

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Steve McQueen's estate sued a clothing
company on Tuesday, alleging the unauthorized use of the late
film star's image and name as part of its "Steve McQueen
Celebration" line of fashion and accessories.

The McQueen heirs accuse Clothing Company S.P.A. and parent
company Belstaff USA and Belstaff International LTD of "willful
and brazen unauthorized use of the name, image, signature and
likeness" of the actor known as the King of Cool for his roles
in films in the 1960s and 1970s.

British-born Belstaff, whose trademark biker jackets were a
favorite of soldier and writer T.E. Lawrence, is owned by
Italy's Malenotti family. A company representative was not
immediately available for comment.

The suit alleges a representative of Belstaff contacted the
estate in 2007 requesting a license for use of McQueen's image
on a clothing and accessories line which was denied after
negotiations broke down.

In August 2007, the company began producing the line
anyway, the lawsuit said.

Belstaff's actions jeopardize "the goodwill and value" of
the McQueen trademark.

The actor, who died at age 50 in 1980, starred in such
films as "Bullitt," "Papillon" and "The Towering Inferno."

(Reporting by Edith Honan; Editing by Daniel Trotta)