Louis Vuitton Logo Lawsuit In the Bag

The popular LV logo that is Louis Vuitton's legacy is synonymous with luxury and indulgence--which means that it is often co-opted, and often by musicians. Lil Kim once did a photo shoot with LV's painted in brown and tan all over her face and body. Rappers, in particular, have always gravitated to the luxury brand. Kanye West has referred to himself as "the Louis Vuitton Don." Jessica Simpson carries Louis Vuitton bags ubiquitously.

But Louis Vuitton was not flattered recently when Britney Spears used the logo without permission. She appeared in a music video in a car covered with LV's. Ruben Studdard also used an LV without permission on a CD jacket. As a result of this, Louis Vuitton decided to go after their record label, SONY BMG, for allowing its artists to use their logo unapproved, according to Crain's.

SONY BMG and Louis Vuitton reached an agreement that is meant to be somewhere about $300,000--and it sends a message to labels, artists, and anyone in the public who likes luxe logos: expensive labels come at a price.

by Merle Ginsberg