Hall of Fame Pool Player Mike Sigel Files Lawsuit Against Computer Game Companies

CHICAGO, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Hall of Fame Pool Player Mike Sigel filed a lawsuit today against computer game manufacturers, Interplay Entertainment Corp and Celeris, Inc., for using his name and likeness without his permission.

The complaint alleges that, without authorization or compensation, the two California-based companies developed, manufactured, and sold "Virtual Pool 2," which has capitalized on Sigel's prominence by using his name without Sigel's permission in its advertising and packaging. Sigel has won over 100 major tournaments, including six U.S. Opens and five World Championships, and is currently ranked first on the International Pool Tour.

The CD-Rom game at issue features video clips of Sigel offering tips on strategy and technique, and prominently uses his name in its packaging and marketing. Such marketing diminishes Sigel's own brand, including a line of billiards equipment bearing his name as a trademark.

Sigel's lawsuit seeks to stop the companies from selling the "Virtual Pool" product line that uses his name, image and voice, and also to recover damages based on profits derived as a result of their unauthorized use.

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  Leslie Valenza
  Telephone: (202) 973-1320
  Email: lvalenza@levick.com

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