Naked Cowboy files suit against Mars Inc. for illegal usage of his image

Robert John Burck, better known as the Naked Cowboy, filed a suit against a world-wide manufacturer of confectionery, pet food and other food products, Mars. Incorporated, for using his image – a cowboy in white underwear, cowboy boots and a hat – in commercial purposes. The company placed his image on a Times Square billboard to advertise a blue M&M candy.

Photo: Naked Cowboy files suit against Mars Inc. for illegal usage of his image

Naked Cowboy files suit against Mars Inc. for illegal usage of his image

An American busker and prominent fixture of New York City 's Times Square, Burck hopes to get $6 million as indemnity.

Burck began his street performance career in 1998 after a shoot at Playgirl and first appeared on Venice Beach . After some disappointing starts, a friend had suggested to him that he dress only in his underwear.

The billboards feature a clad blue M&M with a guitar. The court stated that the company used the image without any compensations to the author.

No further comment from both sides is available.

Photo: www.wikipedia.org