Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is ready to give a rival perfume maker a “fist pump.”
The mini-sized guidette’ of “Jersey Shore” TV fame filed a $6 million-plus lawsuit in Manhattan Federal Court today against NJ-based Excell Brands, alleging its new perfume “Snazzy” bites off her official “Snooki” and “Snooki Couture” fragrances.
The trademark-infringement suit claims that Snazzy includes a “likeness” of Snooki on its bottle, uses her name in marketing and that the font used to emblazon its name on the bottle is similar to that of Snooki’s scents. Snazzy in marketing itself even says the scent is “our version of Snooki by Nicole Polizzi.”
“Without ever seeking, much less obtaining, Ms. Polizzi’s permission or consent, [Excell] disseminated its products and brands containing Ms. Polizzi’s name, likeness, signature and identity,” the suit says.
The suit tries to point out how much of a big shot Snooki is — offering a page of her “accomplishments,” including late night talk show appearances, three books she’s authored and her Teen Choice Award nominations.
“[Polizzi] has achieved considerable commercial success in her career by, among other things, maintaining strict control over the projects and commercials endorsements with which she is associated,” the suit says.
The suit even serves as an add for “Snooki” perfume, noting it’s “list price for a 3.3 oz. bottle is $45” and that “customer reviews of Plaintiff’s official perfume rate it highly and often recommend it.”
Calls left with Polizzi’s lawyers and Excell were not immediately returned.