Connecticut disc jockey "DJ Paulie" sued the Palms hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Thursday, alleging trademark infringement because the Palms is promoting and hosting "Jersey Shore" star "DJ Pauly D."
An attorney for Paul Lis (DJ Paulie) filed suit in U.S. District Court in Hartford, also naming as defendants "Jersey Shore’s" Paul DelVecchio Jr. (DJ Pauly D), a Rhode Island resident; and MTV Networks, which carries "Jersey Shore." They're all accused of infringing on Lis's DJ Paulie trademark.
Lis, of Farmington, Conn., says in the suit he’s been using the DJ Paulie name since 1971 and he has a wholesome, family image. For instance, after 9-11, he was hired by the U.S. Postal Service to write and produce its 9-11 Memorial Fundraising Song "September Mourn."
Lis says he owns the DJPaulie.com website and owns the DJ Paulie trademark for disc jockey services.
The Connecticut man told the Hartford Courant he doesn’t want his name tarnished by DelVecchio Jr. and "Jersey Shore" – known for content featuring violence, excessive drinking and sexual situations.
The defendants have not yet responded to the suit.