SHORT TAKES : Leach Sues Over Voice Imitation
Robin Leach, host of the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” is seeking to become $350,000 richer because an imitation of his famous voice was used in radio and television commercials in Buffalo, N.Y., without his permission.
Leach filed suit against Niagara Frontier Homebuilders Assn,, 21 Buffalo area home builders and Algonquin Communications Corp, claiming they used a commercial with a Leach sound-alike to promote a home show earlier this year.
“Robin Leach’s voice is his trademark. It’s the way he earns his livelihood,” his lawyer said. “He intends to protect his rights very vigorously.” An attorney for one of the defendants says the commercial was a harmless parody.
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