Reply #28: There was a Martini lounge in Vancouver once... [View All]

[CanuckAmok]

...called DeNiro's. It was a really tasteful, elegant place.

They had absolutely no imagery or reference to Robert DeNiro or the films he's been in, anywhere in their decor, menu or advertising. They just called the place "DeNiro's" because they think Robert DeNiro is cool, and the wanted to emulate that 'Goodfellas' vibe in a non-specific look.

When Robert DeNiro was in Vancouver shooting something, the two women who owned the lounge sent him a gift basket to his hotel, and an invitation to "DeNiro's", while he was visiting.

The next thing they knew, DeNiro had a cease and desist order against the use of the name, and he basically sued them into bankruptcy.

So, instead of having a business helping to perpetuate his persona at no cost to him, he destroyed a small business and alienated hundreds of fans.