Judge Lifts Ban on Sale of Art With Cafe’s Logo

A federal district judge in Los Angeles has lifted a temporary restraining order barring Martin Lawrence Limited Editions Inc., an art retailer and distributor based in Van Nuys, from delivering silk screen prints bearing the Hard Rock Cafe logo.

Judge J. Spencer Letts said Hard Rock Cafe America, which sought an extension of the order, failed to prove that buyers would think that the Hard Rock Cafe issued the print or authorized Martin Lawrence to use its logo. The temporary order was lifted Friday, a week after it was issued.

Hard Rock Cafe will appeal the ruling, said the company’s attorney, Harry B. Swerdlow. The company also will pursue its lawsuit against Martin Lawrence, claiming that the serigraph print by Hiromichi Yamagata violates its trademark rights, Swerdlow said. The suit also seeks unspecified damages.

The print shows a hot-air balloon in the shape of an upside-down teapot bearing the Hard Rock Cafe logo. Martin Lawrence Chairman Martin S. Blinder said each print in the 555-piece edition has a retail value of about $3,800. The company began selling the prints earlier this month, he said.

Blinder said the company has not determined what effect, if any, the restraining order had on fourth-quarter earnings.