World renowned motorcycle manufacturers Harley-Davidson have been taken to court by Marlon Brando's estate, for violating a copyright over the Hollywood icon's name.
Executives of Brando's estate filed a suit against the US based company on Tuesday, after the corporation named and licensed a new range of boots after the Oscar winning actor, reported Forbes magazine online.
In the suit, Brando's long time friend Mike Medavoy and his two fellow trustees are seeking recovery of damages caused by the sales and marketing of the unlicensed product. Medavoy, also head of the Brando Enterprises claimed that the motor company had violated and inappropriately used the star's name.
"It is interesting that Harley-Davidson, a company that is vigorously protective of its own brand, would seek to exploit an iconic property without benefit of a licensing agreement. The flagrant disregard for the law by Harley-Davidson cannot be tolerated. It is our mission to protect the Marlon Brando name," the estate's lawyer Jeffrey Abrams said.
The 'Godfather' star is one of the most recognised names in the world and he became a legend with films like 'Apocalypse Now' and 'A Street Car Named Desire'.
