A restaurant named for a Talladega Nights character is being sued for trademark violation. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures are suing the Fort Worth restaurant Ricky Bobby Sports Saloon & Restaurant, claiming that the restaurant is "misleading consumers about the source of origin," by using names from the movie (Ricky Bobby was played by Will Ferrell), and memorabilia and decor that they say is inspired by the film. (Think racecars and menu items like a "Talladega Punch").
The restaurant is owned by the massive corporation Rick's Cabaret International, which is known for owning "gentleman's clubs." Sony claims that Rick's Cabaret did not ask them for permission to open Ricky Bobby Sports Saloon & Restaurant, and are seeking "unspecified punitive and exemplary damages." On top of money, Sony and Columbia are also looking for the court to give them "an injunction, the restaurant's profits," and they want to see the "forfeiture of web domain names." When the restaurant opened last year, a representative from Rick's Cabaret International told the Dallas Observer that the restaurant was "just a play off things" and that "proper names can't be trademarked."
· Sony Wants to Put tBrakes On 'Ricky Bobby' Saloon [THR via Dallas Observer]
· All Lawsuits Coverage on Eater [-E-]