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Naked Cowboy Sues Naked Cowgirl
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 22, 2010
Modified Jun 22, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 22, 2010
Modified Jun 22, 2010
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The Naked Cowboy (real name Robert Burck) is honing his legal talents again, and is now threatening to sue his female counterpart Sandy Kane, aka The Naked Cowgirl (pictured with Burck during happier times).
She isn't the only Naked Cowgirl, but she is the only one refusing to sign a "Naked Cowboy Franchise Agreement," and it could cost her $150,000 if Burck wins the lawsuit he's threatening. According to the NY Post Burck has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the 50-year-old Kane, who the paper calls a fixture in the NY comedy scene (she's also a former stripper whose encore would be to light her breasts on fire). In the letter he wrote: "Your use of Naked Cowgirl is essentially identical to the Naked Cowboy and is clearly in violation" of trademark.
He's made it clear he wants a cut of all earnings, and his manager says they're willing to negotiate with Kane; a typical licensed franchisee would be required to pay $5,000 a year or $500 a month. Kane says she makes $2 per photo, and doesn't plan on giving Burck a cent. You go, cowgirl!
Tagged
lawsuit
naked cowgirl
Robert Burck
Sandy Kane
trademark
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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