Toyota may sue over porn actor called Lexus
What does Toyota have to do with gay porn? A lot, apparently.
The US branch of the Japanese car maker recently sent a communiqué to Daniel Grangier, president and CEO of Switzerland-based EBOYS Studios, regarding one of his stars, who goes by the screen name ‘Lexus.’
According to a release sent to JRLChartsOnline.net, the car manufacturer claimed in its letter to Grangier that the name Lexus is a trademark of Toyota Motors Sales USA Inc., and by using Lexus in connection with adult films, Eboys Studio is in violation of the Federal Trademark Act and tarnishes Toyota’s business reputation.
Toyota is demanding that Eboys Studio (1) immediately and permanently cease all use of the name Lexus in connection with adult films (2) immediately de-list the 2 DVDs from the company’s official website EboysStudio.com and its affiliates (3) immediately remove all DVD packaging displaying the name of Lexus and (4) Eboys Studio should ensure these films are no longer advertised and sold by Eboys Studio’s Customers.
Added M. Eric T. Fingerhut, the Washington, D.C., attorney representing Toyota:
“Toyota may have no choice but to take legal action in order to protect its trademark rights.”
Grangier, who says his SpunkLand star selected his stage name in reference to the Greek god Lexus and not the Toyota-produced luxury vehicle, told JRLChartsOnline.net:
“Our attorney, Marcus Batista, is now in negotiation with Toyota’s legal team regarding this issue. In a letter sent to Eric Fingerhut on November 21st, we have informed that Eboys Studio accepts to comply with some of Toyota’s demands but we will not ask for a worldwide recall of SpunkLand and CumEaters.
“If Eboys Studio and Toyota Motors cannot reach an agreement,” he added, “Eboys Studio will have no other choice but to go to legal action. We will defend our case and our rights. A judge would have to decide if such [a] trademark can prohibit us [from using] the name of a Greek god in our movies.”
Chrys Hudson
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