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Unfair trading of nonagenarian Don Bradman |
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August 3, 2000
ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) - Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman has launched a Federal Court action against six companies that he claims are trading unfairly on his name. Lawyers for the 91-year-old former Australian skipper and the Bradman Foundation, which runs the Bradman Museum at Bowral in rural New South Wales state, started legal proceedings Wednesday against the businesses and two company directors. The lawsuit alleged that the companies and directors used the name "Bradman" to mislead the public into believing they were associated with the former cricketer or his charity foundation. Bradman retired from cricket in 1948 after scoring 6,996 runs at an average of 99.94, making him the most successful batsman in the sport's history. Bradman, described as a living treasure by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, has become increasingly reclusive since retiring and taking up residence in Adelaide. A statement of claim issued by Bradman's lawyers said the use of his name breached the Bradman Foundation's registered "Bradman" trademarks. One of the directors named in the statement is associated with all six companies listed in the action. The court proceedings followed demands from Bradman's lawyers that an Adelaide restaurateur scrap plans to rename a cafe in his honor because he didn't want his name associated with the sale of alcohol. Lawyers said neither Bradman nor the Bradman Foundation was seeking damages and the action was intended only to force the companies to cease trading under the Bradman name. |