August 15, 2018
Chad McQueen (son of the late actor Steve McQueen), has filed a lawsuit against Italian supercar maker Ferrari for using his father’s image to advertise one of their cars without taking any permission.
McQueen is a co-owner of his father’s right of publicity and trademark rights. As stated in the complaint; Steve McQueen had a “passion for speed and danger” and often performed stunts on his own.
The complaint referred to “Steve McQueen effect”, which refers to (according to the complainant) an increase in value of any car Steve McQueen drives.
In 2017, Ferrari began marketing a Ferrari that it dubbed “The McQueen” as part of the car manufacturer’s 70th-anniversary special edition models. These models carried a heftier pricing as compared to standard Ferrari models and were done without any permission, notice or authorization, according to the claim.
The complaint said: “[Ferrari] benefitted from its use of Steve McQueen’s IP by trading upon Steve McQueen’s goodwill and reputation in the relevant public in order to promote and sell ‘The McQueen.’”
Chad McQueen is seeking an injunction and damages of $2 million per registered trademark.
To visit Trademarkclick.com ,Click here.
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