Lithuanian firm sued for holding beauty pageant

[August 25, 2010]  VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) -- Lithuanian lawyers say the U.S.-based company that owns the Miss Universe trademark has filed suit against a local firm that held its own "Universe" beauty pageant.

Lawyers representing Miss Universe Organization L.P. claim the Mrs. Universe contest held Saturday in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius violated the Miss Universe trademark owned by entrepreneur Donald Trump and NBC Universal.

Lawyers said Tuesday at a Lithuanian court the U.S. company will seek damages from the Mrs. Universe pageant organizer.

Jennika Hannusaari, of Finland, won the Lithuanian pageant, which featured competitors from 22 countries. On Monday a 22-year-old Mexico woman was crowned Miss Universe in a Las Vegas show that featured 83 contestants.

[Associated Press]

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