Tom Lindgren Sues Microsoft Over MSN.com's Unauthorized Use Of His Image In Tyrannosaurus Article
Thomas Lindgren, Bonham's Co-Consulting Director of Natural History and an expert in the field of commercial paleontology, files suit against Microsoft Corporation alleging misappropriation of his image and likeness, violation of his right to publicity, and false light.
/EINPresswire.com/Thomas Lindgren, Bonham's Co-Consulting Director of Natural History and an expert in the field of commercial paleontology, filed suit on June 1, 2012 in Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2012-00573451, against Microsoft Corporation alleging misappropriation of his image and likeness, violation of his right to publicity, false light, and unfair business practices.
The complaint alleges that MSN.com, which is owned by Microsoft, used Lindgren's image and likeness without his consent in relation to an article it published concerning the sale of a Tyrannosaurus fossil for which Lindgren had no involvement. The suit further alleges that MSN.com's use of Lindgren's image and likeness without his permission casted him in a false light and caused damage to his reputation in light of the controversy surrounding the sale of the fossil.
The complaint arises from an article published by MSN.com on or about May 19, 2012 in the "What's Trending Now" Section on its website entitled "For Sale: Used Tyrannosaurus Skeleton." The article described the sale of a Tyrannosaurus bataar skeleton scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012 in New York City. The article included a photograph of Lindgren standing next to a Tyrannosaurus rex skull - a different species than the fossil at issue - which Lindgren sold through Bonhams Auction House in 2009. While the article noted that the T-Rex skull was not the fossil being sold, the article failed to mention who Lindgren was or that Lindgren had absolutely no involvement in the procurement or sale of the Tyrannosaurus bataar skeleton being sold. The article also failed to explain that Lindgren works for Bonhams and that he had no relationship with the auction house selling the fossil, which is his and Bonhams' direct competitor.
The sale of the Tyrannosaurus bataar fossil has been shrouded in controversy. The government of Mongolia alleges that the fossil was illegally smuggled out of the country and the sale constitutes a theft of one of its national treasures. The auction house nonetheless elected to proceed with the controversial despite pending legal challenges and public protests. The fossil sold for $1,000,000 on the condition that a court approve the sale.
The controversy surrounding the ownership of the fossil has garnered national and international news attention.
For Questions or Inquires contact Aaron McKown, Wrenn Bender LLLP, amckown@wrennbender.com.
Wrenn Bender LLLP is a law firm specializing in intellectual property litigation, commercial disputes, and environmental matters for businesses, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, government entities, and individual clients. With offices in Orange County, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Seattle, Wrenn Bender represents its clients in matters throughout the United States.
Media Contact:
Aaron McKown
Wrenn Bender LLLP
949.202.5818
http://geodecor.com/PPabout.asp
PR courtesy of Online PR Media.
/EINPresswire.com/Thomas Lindgren, Bonham's Co-Consulting Director of Natural History and an expert in the field of commercial paleontology, filed suit on June 1, 2012 in Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2012-00573451, against Microsoft Corporation alleging misappropriation of his image and likeness, violation of his right to publicity, false light, and unfair business practices.
The complaint alleges that MSN.com, which is owned by Microsoft, used Lindgren's image and likeness without his consent in relation to an article it published concerning the sale of a Tyrannosaurus fossil for which Lindgren had no involvement. The suit further alleges that MSN.com's use of Lindgren's image and likeness without his permission casted him in a false light and caused damage to his reputation in light of the controversy surrounding the sale of the fossil.
The complaint arises from an article published by MSN.com on or about May 19, 2012 in the "What's Trending Now" Section on its website entitled "For Sale: Used Tyrannosaurus Skeleton." The article described the sale of a Tyrannosaurus bataar skeleton scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012 in New York City. The article included a photograph of Lindgren standing next to a Tyrannosaurus rex skull - a different species than the fossil at issue - which Lindgren sold through Bonhams Auction House in 2009. While the article noted that the T-Rex skull was not the fossil being sold, the article failed to mention who Lindgren was or that Lindgren had absolutely no involvement in the procurement or sale of the Tyrannosaurus bataar skeleton being sold. The article also failed to explain that Lindgren works for Bonhams and that he had no relationship with the auction house selling the fossil, which is his and Bonhams' direct competitor.
The sale of the Tyrannosaurus bataar fossil has been shrouded in controversy. The government of Mongolia alleges that the fossil was illegally smuggled out of the country and the sale constitutes a theft of one of its national treasures. The auction house nonetheless elected to proceed with the controversial despite pending legal challenges and public protests. The fossil sold for $1,000,000 on the condition that a court approve the sale.
The controversy surrounding the ownership of the fossil has garnered national and international news attention.
For Questions or Inquires contact Aaron McKown, Wrenn Bender LLLP, amckown@wrennbender.com.
Wrenn Bender LLLP is a law firm specializing in intellectual property litigation, commercial disputes, and environmental matters for businesses, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, government entities, and individual clients. With offices in Orange County, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Seattle, Wrenn Bender represents its clients in matters throughout the United States.
Media Contact:
Aaron McKown
Wrenn Bender LLLP
949.202.5818
http://geodecor.com/PPabout.asp
PR courtesy of Online PR Media.
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