Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Lexus
Lexus files lawsuit against p0rn site
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Lexus has filed a lawsuit against two metro Detroiters who have commandeered the brand's name for their pornographic website and the site's star, Lexus Cash (yes, that's her at right). Lexus is claiming the two, uh, entrepenuers, broke trademark laws by using its brand name in a less than savory manner, which could result in the dilution of its good name. While doing research for this (somebody had to), we came across another pornstar named Lexus Locklear, but so far haven't heard whether or not she's also being sued by the Japanese automaker. Perhaps her brand of entertainment is a little more high-brow than what Lexus Cash offers, we wouldn't know. Whlie the name "Lexus Cash" is probably a stage name, this got us wondering about other people who are actually named after cars. For instance, we've heard of girls named Porsche (yes, actually spelled that way, not like Portia de Rossi). If one of the Porsches of the world grows up to be a porn star, would Porsche the carmaker have any grounds to sue? We'll consult the AOL lawyers and get back to you on that one, but clearly Lexus thinks it has a case against Lexus Cash and her employers.
[Source: The Detroit Free Press via Jalopnik]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tom 2:12PM (6/01/2007)
Not being auto related...Lexus shouldn't have a hope in hell of winning this one. Power to the porn!
Reply
Neal M 2:14PM (6/01/2007)
Someone just got hired at my work. It's a dude named Porsch. Not Porsche. Porsch.
I guess he'll be president someday. ;)
Reply
Rachel 2:14PM (6/01/2007)
Its good Lexus is putting a stop to this. think of all the variations of Lexus the porn industry could use:
Lexass
Lixass
and every other variation of ASS and Lexus
Reply
Calebe 2:17PM (6/01/2007)
That is just crazy. There are people named Lexus. While no one can use that name for an automobile, there is no law saying you can't name a person that.
Reply
ClutchCargo 2:20PM (6/01/2007)
Maybe if she had been pretty they wouldn't have minded.
Reply
Los 2:21PM (6/01/2007)
I really don't think they have a problem with the name Lexus...
I would think their legal standpoint would be that "Lexus Cash" as a phrase is misleading. Especially when it comes to Cash Allowances and Rebates on their vehicles.
There are alot more frivolous suits out there.
Reply
Rocket Punch 2:24PM (6/01/2007)
I've always said Lexus is the best bang for the buck.
Reply
XJ 2:29PM (6/01/2007)
I feel bad for this actress...http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0516911/
Reply
robz4 2:31PM (6/01/2007)
I ll take Lexus Cash over any of the Lexus cars. At least I am sure she won't be boring.
Reply
Will 2:38PM (6/01/2007)
I wanna see Lexus Cash parallel-park all by herself, al-la the Lexus LS. $5 says it doesn't happen without a call to an insurance company.
Reply
tooler 2:38PM (6/01/2007)
Remember Nissan case?
There is a guy has a name of Nissan, (family name or given name, I can not remember.) and he has the website of nissan.com, then Nissan Motor filed a lawsuit for this name...
Reply
J.Crew 2:54PM (6/01/2007)
They just earned more press than they ever would have by not naming her that. Maybe they can name a dude "Broke Camshaft" after the Tundra...
Reply
... 3:12PM (6/01/2007)
the reason that lexus has a problem with it is because they are basically making a profiting buisness out of someone else's company name
Reply
... 3:13PM (6/01/2007)
*their own name
Reply
Nellydesign 3:20PM (6/01/2007)
Man, that chick is busted...
Reply
mr.ed 3:27PM (6/01/2007)
How come Buick didn't sue when their Lexxus was borrowed by Toyota? It's even the same business, which this situation certainly isn't. Or Citation, used by Chevy after it died at Ford (Edsel)? There are lots more. If they really want to feed some attorneys, they could send a party tray to the ABA convention.
Reply
geo.stewart 4:01PM (6/01/2007)
along with the rebates angle, free Lexus Cash with every GX470, while supplies last... Dont be the last on your block...
oh, it could get so much worse...
Reply
dough 5:12PM (6/01/2007)
pr0n
Reply
Don 5:45PM (6/01/2007)
The Lexxxus LS600hL...coming soon!
Reply
Ligor 6:40PM (6/01/2007)
I guess the chick is pretty ugly so they took offense to that
if she had been hot then I bet it would have been ok, as it would have been Lexus that would have profitted from that
Reply