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Naked Cowboy Files Suit Against Mars Inc. For Illegal Usage Of His Image
http://www.bronx.com/news/articles/141/1/Naked-Cowboy-Files-Suit-Against-Mars-Inc-For-Illegal-Usage-Of-His-Image/Page1.html
Maria Milosheva
I was born, raised and currently live in Sofia, Bulgaria, EU. I am a journalist by profession and practice psychology for the past few years.

I started drawing in 1991, urged by strong inner need to recreate the reality beyond the usual – the world of forms and details… I have taken part in various exhibitions and my work is in a number of private collections. It can be seen at MarmiArt.com.

My drawings are created using mixed techniques – aquarelle, tempera, ink, pencils, etc. They are unique and have no names. Their eventual owners would give them names, effectively becoming a part of the process of creating them. Every one can charge their own drawing with one's own energy and identify it with one's self. Your drawing will repay generously, giving calm moments for reflection and meditation.

 
By Maria Milosheva
Published on 02/14/2008
 
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.

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.
 
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.

- Pravda.ru