Tyson's Tattoo Artist Sues Hangover Sequel Producers

Mike Tyson's tattoo artist has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the Hangover Part II producers for allegedly using his design without consent.

In the movie's preview, actor Ed Helms is shown sporting a face tattoo like the design inked on the boxer's left cheek and temple.

S. Victor Whitmill, the artist who created, inked and copyrighted Tyson's iconic tattoo, is suing the film's studio, Warner Brothers, for allegedly using the image in the upcoming film without permission.

Whitmill is seeking an injunction to halt the impending release of The Hangover Part II, as well as banning the image of Helms from use in advertising materials and trailers.

He also wants unspecified damages, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The legal papers, filed in federal court in Missouri on Thursday (28Apr11), state, "When Mr Whitmill created the original tattoo, Mr Tyson agreed that Mr Whitmill would own the artwork and thus, the copyright in theoriginal tattoo. Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. - without attempting to contact Mr Whitmill, obtain his permission, or credit his creation - has copied Mr Whitmill's original tattoo and placed it on the face of another actor... This unauthorised exploitation of the original tattoo constitutes copyright infringement".

The Hangover Part II is set to hit U.S. theatres in late (May11).