IBM Claims in Suit That Tustin Firm Infringed on ‘Little Tramp’ Trademark

Although Charlie Chaplin may have been a man of the people, IBM apparently thinks his “Little Tramp” character belongs to the company. And that’s just the way the computer giant wants to keep it.

The Armonk, N.Y., company filed suit Thursday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles against Tustin-based American Micro Technology, claiming that the tiny, year-old computer maker infringed on its trademarks and engaged in unfair competition and false advertising when it used the Chaplin character and other IBM product name trademarks in recent advertisements.

The suit seeks a permanent injunction against American Micro Technology as well as unspecified monetary damages.

Neither party could be reached for comment on the suit.