Rivers v. Morrison

Case 1:17-cv-05720-RJS Document 1 Filed 07/27/17 Page 1 of 18
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
------------------------------------------------------------------------ X
:
BILLY TWO RIVERS, :
:
Plaintiff, : COMPLAINT
:
-against- :
: 17 Civ. ___
GEORGE IVAN MORRISON, UNIVERSAL MUSIC :
GROUP, INC., UMG RECORDINGS, INC., :
UNIVERSAL MUSIC CORP., CAROLINE RECORDS, :
LTD., CAROLINE MUSIC, INC., :
and EXILE PRODUCTIONS, LTD., :
:
:
Defendants. :
:
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Plaintiff Billy Two Rivers (Two Rivers or Plaintiff), for his complaint against
Defendants George Ivan Morrison (Van Morrison); Universal Music Group, Inc. (UMG);
UMG Recordings, Inc. (UMG Recordings); Universal Music Corp. (Universal Music);
Caroline Records, Ltd. (Caroline Records); Caroline Music, Inc. (Caroline Music); Exile
Productions, Ltd. (Exile Productions, and collectively with Van Morrison, UMG, UMG
Recordings, Universal Music, Caroline Records, and Caroline Music, Defendants), alleges as
follows:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is a civil action for injunctive relief and damages for violation of
Plaintiffs right of publicity, the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1051, et seq., common law unfair
competition, and New York General Business Law 349, et seq.

2. Plaintiff is a famed retired Canadian professional wrestler, who was a leader
of the Mohawk nation on the Kahnawake reservation, and who has appeared in ten films and
television programs. Plaintiffs image and likeness is well-known both in this country and abroad.
3. Defendants, a conglomerate of global music powerhouses consisting of
record labels, distributors, and an international pop star, have unlawfully used Plaintiffs image
and likeness in connection with the release of a new music album (the Album) by Defendant
George Ivan Morrison, better known as Van Morrison, a highly popular recording artist, producer,
and entertainer. Indeed, Defendants misappropriated a photograph depicting Plaintiff in a
professional wrestling match, and have improperly and unlawfully used Plaintiffs image and
likeness in connection with the promotion, advertisement, and sale of the Album and related
products, resulting in irreparable harm to Plaintiff. Defendants wrongful actions are widespread
from the printing of Album covers, to a pervasive Internet campaign, to authorizing news outlets
to use the Album cover, to the promotion of an Album tour (the Unauthorized Products).
Defendants conduct ignores Plaintiffs right of publicity, violates the Lanham Act, and
constitutes unfair competition and deceptive trade practices in accordance with New York General
Business Law 349, et seq. Unless Defendants are enjoined, Plaintiff will continue to suffer
irreparable and permanent harm.
THE PARTIES
4. Plaintiff Billy Two Rivers is an individual who resides in the province of
Qubec, Canada.
5. On information and belief, Defendant George Ivan Morrison is an
individual residing in Belfast, North Ireland. Defendant Van Morrison transacts substantial
business in this judicial district.
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6. On information and belief, Defendant Universal Music Group, Inc. is a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with a principal place
of business in Santa Monica, California. On information and belief, UMG is registered to do
business in this judicial district, maintains a place of business at 1755 Broadway, New York, New
York, and transacts substantial business in this judicial district.
7. On information and belief, Defendant UMG Recordings, Inc. is a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal place
of business in Santa Monica, California. On information and belief, UMG Recordings operates as
a subsidiary of UMG. On information and belief, UMG Recordings is registered to do business in
this judicial district, maintains a place of business at 1755 Broadway, New York, New York, and
transacts substantial business in this judicial district.
8. On information and belief, Defendant Universal Music Corp. is a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal place
of business in Santa Monica, California. On information and belief, Universal Music operates as a
subsidiary of UMG. On information and belief, Universal Music is registered to do business in
this judicial district, maintains a place of business at 1755 Broadway, New York, New York, and
transacts substantial business in this judicial district.
9. On information and belief, Caroline Records, Ltd. is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with a principal place of business
in Hollywood, California. On information and belief, Caroline Records transacts substantial
business in this judicial district.
10. On information and belief, Defendant Caroline Music, Inc. is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with a principal place of business
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in Hollywood, California. On information and belief, Caroline U.S. and Caroline International
operate as labels within Caroline Music. On information and belief, Caroline Music transacts
substantial business in this judicial district.
11. On information and belief, defendant Exile Productions, Ltd. is a company
incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom with a registered office in London, England.
On information and belief, Exile Productions transacts substantial business in this judicial district.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
12. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over these claims pursuant to
28 U.S.C. 1331, 1338, and 1367.
13. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants pursuant to New York
CPLR 301 and 302(a)(1)-(3) because Defendants conduct substantial business within the State
of New York related to the unlawful activities at issue in this Complaint, and because the harm
suffered by Two Rivers within this State flows directly from such business conducted by
defendants.
14. Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)
because a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to Plaintiffs claims occurred in
this District.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
Two Rivers Celebrated Professional Wrestling Career
15. Plaintiff, Billy Two Rivers, is an internationally-known retired Canadian
professional wrestler. Plaintiffs wrestling career spanned 24 years, from 1953 until 1977. During
the course of his career, Plaintiff wrestled in venues around the world, including in the United
States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
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16. After two years of training with wrestling superstar Don Eagle, Two Rivers
made his professional wrestling debut in February of 1953 in Detroit, Michigan. For the next
several years, he competed throughout the United States against wrestlers such as Wild Bull
Curry and Larry The Missouri Mauler Hamilton.
17. Two Rivers formed a tag team with Don Eagle from 1956 to 1959. As a
team, they faced a wide variety of formidable opponents, including Ray The Crippler Stevens,
Boris Malenko, and Fritz Von Erich. In addition to Don Eagle, Two Rivers teamed with other
wrestlers, including American wrestler Rolland Red Bastien.
18. On April 6, 1959, Two Rivers and teammate George Becker won the
Southern version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship by defeating Mexican-American
wrestlers Alberto and Enrique Torres.
19. Later in 1959, Two Rivers began competing in the United Kingdom.
Wrestling in England and Scotland, Two Rivers gained increased fame due to his First Nations
heritage. As part of his trademark style, Two Rivers wore a feathered headdress, had a Mohawk
hairstyle, and performed a war dance during matches. As a result of his success in the United
Kingdom, fellow Canadian wrestler Paul LeDuc stated that Two Rivers was treated like a God
and an international star.
20. Two Rivers returned to the United States in September 1965. After
partnering with Belgian wrestler Karl Gotch to defeat the Blond Bombers Rip Hawk and Swede
Hanson Two Rivers left the United States to compete in Japan.
21. In 1971 and 1972, Two Rivers competed throughout eastern Canada, often
as part of a tag team with Johnny War Eagle, as well as with Chief Sunny War Cloud. The
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following year, Two Rivers returned to the United Kingdom, where he wrestled until 1974. He
wrestled several matches in Germany before returning to Canada.
22. Competing for the Montreal-based Grand Prix Wrestling (the GPW),
Two Rivers held the GPW Tag Team Championship while partnered with Johnny War Eagle in
1974. For the next years, Two Rivers remained in Canada, facing such wrestlers as Sailor White,
The Sheik, and Kurt Von Hess. His final title victory came on August 3, 1976, when he defeated
Serge Dumont to win the Canadian International Heavyweight Championship.
23. Two Rivers retired in 1977 following a storied wrestling career.
Two Rivers Fame Following His Professional Wrestling Career
24. After retiring from wrestling, Two Rivers focus shifted to the governance
of the Kahnawake reservation, where he served in numerous capacities, including as an elder and
a councilor, a position he held for 20 years. On the national level, Two Rivers continues to be
recognized as an elder and advisor to the First Nations people.
25. In 1990, Two Rivers helped lead the Mohawk nation during the Oka Crisis
a land dispute between the Mohawk people and the town of Oka, Qubec, Canada. The Oka
Crisis began on July 11, 1990, and lasted 78 days until September 26, 1990. The dispute was the
first well-publicized violent conflict between First Nations and the Canadian government in the
late 20th century.
26. Additionally, from 1973 to 2015, Two Rivers starred in numerous films and
television programs. His film credits include Taking Lives, Musketeers Forever, Bolt,
Pocahontas: The Legend, and Black Robe, as well as the documentary The Wrestling Queen. Two
Rivers has also appeared in a number of television series, including Mohawk Girls, Tales of the
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Wild, and Heritage Minutes. Finally, Two Rivers has appeared in the made-for-television movies
Red Earth, White Earth, and Northern Passage.
27. Two Rivers name has entered popular culture in many forms. The British
band, The Dogs DAmour named a song after Two Rivers on its In the Dynamite Jet Saloon
album in 1988. And Two Rivers plays a large role in Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Muldoons poem,
My Father and I and Billy Two Rivers, which discusses watching Two Rivers in a wrestling
match and compares the pre-determined outcome to the Boston Tea Party. Finally, a British
racing horse out of Toronto shares Two Rivers name and was christened after him, with Two
Rivers consent.
28. As a result of his stature as an international professional wrestler, leader,
and actor, substantial recognition and goodwill are attached to Two Rivers image and likeness.
Indeed, as a result of his career, Two Rivers is well-known by audiences. Two Rivers image and
likeness is a valuable asset, and one which he has carefully and methodically protected from
exploitation.
Defendants Wrongful Acts of Misappropriating Two Rivers Image and Likeness
29. On information and belief, Defendants an alliance of global record labels
and music powerhouses collaborated to create Defendant Van Morrisons 37th studio Album
entitled Roll With the Punches. On information and belief, Defendants plan to release the
Album on September 22, 2017.
30. Defendants have misappropriated Two Rivers image and likeness by using
a photograph of Two Rivers, captured during a professional wrestling match, on the cover of the
Album. Indeed, Two Rivers is featured prominently on the front cover of the Album:
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31. The Album is currently available for pre-order sale via the Van Morrison
official website, HMV, Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. Select portions of the Album are
available for streaming via Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.
32. On information and belief, the Defendants are engaged in a widespread
campaign to market, promote, distribute, and sell the Album and Unauthorized Products. This
pervasive marketing campaign violates Two Rivers rights, and has not been authorized by Two
Rivers.
33. On information and belief, Defendants created and are maintaining a
website devoted to the Albums release. Attached as Exhibit A is a true and correct copy of an
excerpt of the Album website available at http://www.vanmorrison.com/splash/. Two Rivers
image and likeness are the centerpiece of the Albums website, with Two Rivers image and
likeness featured throughout the page, in total five times, including in a video linked to the page.
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34. The video linked to this page is hosted on Vimeo, where it was uploaded by
Defendant Exile Productions. Attached as Exhibit B is a true and correct copy of an excerpt of the
Vimeo page available at https://vimeo.com/224944565. This same video is also available of
Vevo. Attached as Exhibit C is a true and correct copy of an excerpt of the Vevo page available at
https://www.vevo.com/watch/van-morrison/bring-it-on-home-to-me-(visualiser)/GBCQT1700016.
These videos contain nothing but the Album cover prominently featuring Two Rivers, with the
Van Morrison vocal to the song Bring It On Home To Me overlaid.
35. On information and belief, Defendants are promoting the Album on their
webpages, including but not limited to Caroline Internationals website
(http://www.carolineinternational.com/2017/07/14/van-morrison-roll-punches/) and Facebook
page (https://www.facebook.com/CarolineInternational/). Attached as Exhibit D are true and
correct copies of excerpts of Caroline Internationals Album promotion page and an excerpt of
Caroline Internationals Facebook page.
36. The Album is being promoted via Defendant Van Morrisons social media
sites, including on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vanmorrisonofficial/), on Twitter
(https://twitter.com/vanmorrison), and on YouTube
(https://www.youtube.com/user/vanmorrisonofficial), where Two Rivers image and likeness are
featured prominently. Attached as Exhibit E are true and correct copies of excerpts of the Van
Morrison Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.
37. News outlets, including but not limited to Rolling Stone and Spin, have
extensively covered the release of the Album. See, e.g.,
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/van-morrison-announces-new-album-roll-with-the-
punches-w491695, http://www.spin.com/2017/07/van-morrison-roll-with-the-punches-sam-cooke-
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cover/, http://clashmusic.com/news/van-morrison-announces-new-album-bring-it-on-home-to-me,
http://kixi.com/van-morrison-to-release-roll-with-the-punches-his-second-album-in-less-than-a-
year-in-september/, https://www.relix.com/news/detail/van_morrison_details_new_
album_tour_dates, http://ultimateclassicrock.com/van-morrison-roll-with-the-punches/,
https://www.bluesmagazine.nl/van-morrison-roll-with-the-punches/. These articles feature
pictures of the Album cover, exploiting Two Rivers image and likeness. On information and
belief, many of these news outlets are further promoting the album via social media outlets, such
as Twitter.
38. In addition, on information and belief, in conjunction with the release of the
Album, the Defendants have created and are planning on selling merchandise, including but not
limited to t-shirts, featuring the Album cover and Two Rivers image and likeness. These items
are on pre-sale, with starting bids of $250. Attached as Exhibit F is a true and correct copy of the
eBay posting entitled Van Morrison *RARE* Signed CD/GOLD Vinyl Roll With the Punches -
Limited to 1000, available at https://www.ebay.com/i/253048939062?chn=ps&dispItem=1.
39. Finally, Defendant Van Morrison is launching a promotional Album tour
beginning on September 10, 2017. This tour will take Defendant Van Morrison throughout the
United States and the United Kingdom. On information and belief, advertising and marketing
tools for the tour, as well as the tour itself, will feature the Album cover and Two Rivers.
40. Defendants have engaged in a massive campaign to promote, advertise, and
sell the Album, thereby infringing Two Rivers rights by using his image and likeness.
41. Two Rivers was never approached by, nor did he authorize, Defendants to
use his image and likeness for any purpose, including advertisement, sponsorship, or endorsement
of the Album and Unauthorized Products.
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Irreparable Harm to Two Rivers
42. As a direct consequence of Defendants unauthorized conduct, Two Rivers
has suffered significant injury and irreparable harm.
43. Plaintiff has invested substantial effort in preserving, protecting, and honing
his reputation, and has amassed substantial goodwill and a favorable reputation during his career.
By misappropriating Plaintiffs image and likeness, Defendants have not only traded on Plaintiffs
earned goodwill, but are also depriving the Defendant of the ability to control his reputation.
44. If Defendants are not enjoined from misappropriating and continuing to
disseminate Two Rivers image and likeness, Two Rivers will continue to suffer irreparable harm.
45. Because Two Rivers reputation will be irreparably harmed if Defendants
are not enjoined, money damages cannot sufficiently compensate Two Rivers for the damage
caused by Defendants unauthorized acts.
46. In contrast, Defendants will not suffer any cognizable or irreparable injury
if they are enjoined.
COUNT I
Right of Publicity
47. Two Rivers incorporates by reference as though fully set forth herein the
allegations contained in paragraphs 1 through 46 above.
48. Defendants have engaged in the unlawful and unauthorized use of Two
Rivers image and likeness in connection with the promotion, advertisement, and sale of the
Album and Unauthorized Products. Two Rivers right of publicity has been breached and violated
because his image has been published, on the Album, on the Internet, and on merchandise, without
his consent.
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49. As a result of Defendants conduct, Plaintiff has suffered substantial harm,
including but are not limited to: (1) the emotional distress of having an image exploited without
Plaintiffs consent; (2) Plaintiffs loss of the ability to control the dissemination of his image; and
(3) Plaintiffs loss of the ability to control the association of his image.
50. A causal connection exists between the publishing of Plaintiffs image and
likeness by Defendants, and the damages suffered by Plaintiff. The damages suffered by Plaintiff
are the logical, direct, and immediate consequence of Defendants actions.
51. Unless Defendants are enjoined from continuing the aforementioned
unlawful acts, Plaintiff will continue to suffer irreparable harm.
COUNT II
Unfair Competition/False Endorsement Under the Lanham Act
(15 U.S.C. 1125(a)(1)(A))
53. Defendants have engaged in the unlawful and unauthorized use of Two
Rivers image and likeness in interstate commerce in connection with the promotion, advertising,
and sale of the Album. Defendants have conveyed the false and misleading representation to the
public that Two Rivers (a) endorses, sponsors, and approves of the goods, products, and services
associated with the Album and otherwise acquiesces in or agrees to the use of his image and
likeness in connection with the Album and the Unauthorized Products; and (b) is affiliated with
the Album and the Unauthorized Products.
54. Defendants conduct, as described above, was deliberate and willful, has
created and will create a likelihood of confusion, mistake, and deception, as well as wrongly
implied and misrepresented, that Two Rivers endorsed, sponsored, or otherwise was and is
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affiliated with the Album, all to the commercial benefit of Defendants and the detriment of the
Plaintiff.
55. The Album and the Unauthorized Products use and misappropriate Two
Rivers exact likeness.
56. Consumer confusion will occur if Defendants continue to use Two Rivers
image and likeness.
57. Defendants intentionally or with reckless disregard adopted the use of and
copied Two Rivers image and likeness in order to exploit the goodwill and reputation of Two
Rivers. Defendants, sophisticated players in the music industry, deliberately chose the photograph
depicting Two Rivers for their Album cover aptly named, Roll With the Punches.
58. Defendants unauthorized use of Two Rivers name, image, and likeness on
and in connection with the Album and the Unauthorized Products in interstate commerce in the
United States constitutes a false representation and endorsement as to affiliation, sponsorship,
endorsement, license, or other authorization of Two Rivers with respect to his name and likeness,
in violation of section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1125(a)(1)(A).
59. As a result of Defendants conduct, Plaintiff has suffered substantial harm.
COUNT III
Common Law Unfair Competition
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62. Defendants unauthorized use of Two Rivers image and likeness has
allowed Defendants to falsely suggest to the public that the Album and the Unauthorized Products
are sponsored by or otherwise affiliated with Two Rivers when, in fact, they are not.
63. Defendants have engaged in such acts intentionally or with reckless
disregard for whether the public is confused and deceived regarding the nature, approval,
sponsorship, endorsement, and/or authorization by Two Rivers.
64. Defendants unauthorized use is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and
deception among consumers.
65. Defendants intentionally adopted the use of and copied Two Rivers image
and likeness in order to exploit the goodwill and reputation of Two Rivers. Defendants,
sophisticated players in the music industry, deliberately chose the photograph depicting Two
Rivers for the Album cover. The choice was not random or meaningless; instead, Defendants
chose a wrestler for the aptly titled Album, Roll With the Punches.
66. Defendants conduct constitutes unfair competition and was deliberate,
willful, and intended to exploit unlawfully the goodwill and reputation associated with Two
Rivers and his image and likeness, for the economic and commercial benefit of Defendants, and to
the economic harm of Plaintiff.
COUNT IV
Violation of N.Y. General Business Law Section 349
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70. Defendants unauthorized use of Two Rivers image and likeness
constitutes a deceptive trade practice in that it creates the false impression that Plaintiff has
endorsed and/or is affiliated with the Album and the Unauthorized Products, thereby misleading
the public in violation of the New York General Business Law 349 et seq.
71. Defendants acts and practices of improperly and unlawfully using
Plaintiffs image and likeness in connection with the promotion, advertisement, and sale of the
Album and the Unauthorized Products are consumer-oriented and are misleading in a material
way to a reasonable consumer acting reasonably under the circumstances.
COUNT V
Permanent Injunctive Relief
74. Defendants are and continue to engage in the unlawful conduct set forth in
this Complaint. Unless restrained and enjoined, Defendants will to continue to engage in such
unlawful conduct.
75. Defendants unauthorized use of Two Rivers image and likeness has
caused Plaintiff irreparable injury. Plaintiff has invested substantial effort in preserving,
protecting, and honing his reputation, and has amassed substantial goodwill and a favorable
reputation during his career. By misappropriating Plaintiffs image and likeness, Defendants have
not only traded on Plaintiffs earned goodwill, but are also depriving the Defendant of the ability
to control his reputation.
76. Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law, rendering equitable relief
appropriate in that damages cannot compensate Plaintiff for the injuries he suffered.
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77. In balancing the hardships between Plaintiff and Defendants, a remedy in
equity is warranted.
78. Furthermore, because the public has an interest in not being deceived, the
public interest would be served by a permanent injunction restraining Defendants unauthorized
use of Two Rivers image and likeness in connection with the Album and Unauthorized Products.
JURY DEMAND
Plaintiff requests a jury on all issues so triable.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff Billy Two Rivers demands judgment against the
Defendants as follows:
(1) Adjudging that Defendants violated Plaintiffs right of publicity;
(2) Adjudging that Defendants made the false and misleading representation to
the public that Two Rivers (a) endorses, sponsors, and approves of the goods, products, and
services associated with the Album and otherwise acquiesces in or agrees to the use of his image
and likeness in connection with the Album and the Unauthorized Products; and (b) is affiliated
with the Album and the Unauthorized Products, in violation of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C.
1125(a);
(3) Adjudging that Defendants engaged in unfair competition by
misappropriating Two Rivers image and likeness in conjunction with the Album and the
Unauthorized Products;
(4) Adjudging that Defendants unauthorized use of Two Rivers image and
likeness constitutes a deceptive trade practice in accordance with New York General Business
Law 349 et seq.;
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(5) Preliminarily and permanently enjoining Defendants, their affiliates,
employees, agents, and representatives, and all persons acting in concert with or participating with
Defendants, from using, disclosing, disseminating, posting, displaying, sharing, distributing,
copying, advertising, or selling, in any manner whatsoever, (i) all copies of the Album and
Unauthorized Products; and (ii) all copies of any materials (in paper, electronic, or any other form)
that contain or reflect any information derived from Plaintiffs image and likeness;
(6) Preliminarily and permanently ordering Defendants, their affiliates,
employees, agents, and representatives, and all persons acting in concert with or participating with
Defendants, to immediately and permanently dispose of: (i) all copies of the Album and the
Unauthorized Products; and (ii) all copies of any materials (in paper, electronic, or any other form)
that contain or reflect any information derived from Plaintiffs image and likeness;
(7) Preliminarily ordering Defendants, their affiliates, employees, agents, and
representatives, and all persons acting in concert with or participating with Defendants, to turn
over to the Court any proceeds that Defendants have received as a result of their misappropriation
and use of Plaintiffs image and likeness, such proceeds to be held in constructive trust until the
conclusion of this litigation;
(8) Awarding Two Rivers damages in connection with Counts I, III, and IV in
an amount to be determined at trial;
(9) Awarding Two Rivers damages in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1117
(Lanham Act);
(10) Awarding Two Rivers attorneys fees, costs, and disbursements pursuant to
15 U.S.C. 1117 (Lanham Act);
(11) Punitive and exemplary damages in an amount to be determined at trial;
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Case 1:17-cv-05720-RJS Document 1 Filed 07/27/17 Page 1 of 18

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NATURE OF THE ACTION

competition, and New York General Business Law 349, et seq.

2. Plaintiff is a famed retired Canadian professional wrestler, who was a leader

3. Defendants, a conglomerate of global music powerhouses consisting of

and entertainer. Indeed, Defendants misappropriated a photograph depicting Plaintiff in a

irreparable and permanent harm.

4. Plaintiff Billy Two Rivers is an individual who resides in the province of

5. On information and belief, Defendant George Ivan Morrison is an

business in this judicial district.

6. On information and belief, Defendant Universal Music Group, Inc. is a

of business in Santa Monica, California. On information and belief, UMG is registered to do

York, and transacts substantial business in this judicial district.

7. On information and belief, Defendant UMG Recordings, Inc. is a

a subsidiary of UMG. On information and belief, UMG Recordings is registered to do business in

transacts substantial business in this judicial district.

8. On information and belief, Defendant Universal Music Corp. is a

subsidiary of UMG. On information and belief, Universal Music is registered to do business in

transacts substantial business in this judicial district.

9. On information and belief, Caroline Records, Ltd. is a corporation

in Hollywood, California. On information and belief, Caroline Records transacts substantial

business in this judicial district.

10. On information and belief, Defendant Caroline Music, Inc. is a corporation

substantial business in this judicial district.

11. On information and belief, defendant Exile Productions, Ltd. is a company

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

28 U.S.C. 1331, 1338, and 1367.

14. Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b)

Two Rivers Celebrated Professional Wrestling Career

15. Plaintiff, Billy Two Rivers, is an internationally-known retired Canadian

States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Curry and Larry The Missouri Mauler Hamilton.

wrestlers, including American wrestler Rolland Red Bastien.

wrestlers Alberto and Enrique Torres.

and an international star.

Hanson Two Rivers left the United States to compete in Japan.

wrestled several matches in Germany before returning to Canada.

Serge Dumont to win the Canadian International Heavyweight Championship.

23. Two Rivers retired in 1977 following a storied wrestling career.

Two Rivers Fame Following His Professional Wrestling Career

recognized as an elder and advisor to the First Nations people.

late 20th century.

Red Earth, White Earth, and Northern Passage.

28. As a result of his stature as an international professional wrestler, leader,

Defendants Wrongful Acts of Misappropriating Two Rivers Image and Likeness

29. On information and belief, Defendants an alliance of global record labels

Album on September 22, 2017.

available for streaming via Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.

32. On information and belief, the Defendants are engaged in a widespread

33. On information and belief, Defendants created and are maintaining a

excerpt of the Album website available at http://www.vanmorrison.com/splash/. Two Rivers

Vimeo page available at https://vimeo.com/224944565. This same video is also available of

Van Morrison vocal to the song Bring It On Home To Me overlaid.

webpages, including but not limited to Caroline Internationals website

(http://www.carolineinternational.com/2017/07/14/van-morrison-roll-punches/) and Facebook

page (https://www.facebook.com/CarolineInternational/). Attached as Exhibit D are true and

Caroline Internationals Facebook page.

sites, including on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vanmorrisonofficial/), on Twitter