Hells Angels sue McQueen for trademark

Alexander McQueen is being sued for the use of a winged death motif by the Hells Angeles. The motorcycle group claims the British designer used its trademark death heads symbol on a knuckle-duster ring and women's handbag.

A complaint was filed against McQueen on Monday by the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation (HAMC) stating the label has breached trademark protection rules, reported Vogue.co.uk

"From decades of notoriety, the HAMC marks have acquired very widespread public recognition, consequently they evoke strong and immediate reactions whenever used," the complaint states. "The impact of these marks is virtually incomparable, and as a result they have great commercial value."

According to the Financial Times, US store Saks and etailer ZAPPOS.COM have also been targeted, both of which sell the offending items.

The news follows a story yesterday, reported by the Telegraph, that Harry Potter costume designer Jany Temime was accused of plagiarising a McQueen dress, to be used in the next Potter instalment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One.

Image: McQueen AW10