Apparently, imitation is not the sincerest form of flattery… at least not to Paris Hilton.
The millionairess has just filed a lawsuit against Hallmark Cards over the use of her picture and catchphrase “That’s hot.” The card company reportedly designed a greeting card with a title that reads: “Paris’s First Day as a Waitress.” Underneath the line is a photo of Hilton’s face sitting on a cartoon version of a waitress serving a plate of food to a diner. A bubble coming out of the hotel heiress’ mouth reads, “Don’t touch that, it’s hot.” The customer cartoon asks, “What’s hot?” She answers, “That’s hot.”
And that is against the law, according to Hilton’s attorneys.
The just filed lawsuit suit claims the former inmate owns the trademark “That’s hot,” which was registered in February 2007. What’s more, Hilton further claims the card is “an invasion of privacy, a misappropriation of publicity, and falsely represented Hilton as endorsing the product.” Oh, and an infringement of a federally registered trademark. The former reality TV star is seeking damages that would be based on profits from the $2.49 cards.
Hallmark’s response to the lawsuit: back off it’s just a joke. The company maintains the card is a parody, which is normally protected under fair-use law.
“Some of Hallmark’s new humor greeting cards are parodies of today’s most popular celebrities and politicians,” a Hallmark spokeswoman told members of the media. “These cards take a satirical look at news and gossip surrounding these public figures, including Paris Hilton, and we do not believe Hallmark has violated any of Ms. Hilton’s rights.”
Frankly, I don’t think these cards are destined to be “hot” sellers, which may be another reason why Hilton wants them pulled from shelves. Goodness knows she doesn’t need the money from the lawsuit. Or does she?
According to the Wall Street Journal, the 26-year-old did just purchase a new Beverly Hills mansion this week. (She unloaded her Hollywood Hills home last month.)
The pooch-loving drama queen more than doubled her living space with the purchase of the new 7,000-square-foot home that sits in the gated Mulholland Estates.
Paris’s new pad reportedly offers much more privacy than her old digs. It also boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a fitness room that Hilton intends to convert into a shoe closet.
And at $5.9 million the place was practically a steal. (It was originally listed for $6.25 million.) Not bad considering Hilton’s former residence netted her $4.2 million when it sold last month.