Lance Armstrong Hot Over Collar

SEPTEMBER 13--Lance Armstrong claims that an Oklahoma firm is ripping off his charitable foundation by selling dog and cat collars modeled after the cyclist's distinctive yellow 'Livestrong' wristbands. In a federal lawsuit, Armstrong's charity contends that the sale of 'Barkstrong' and 'Purrstrong' collars infringes on its trademarked $1 bracelet, of which more than 70 million copies have been sold. An excerpt from the Armstrong complaint, which was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Austin, Texas, can be found below. The pet collars are peddled by Animal Charity Collar Group, a Tulsa for-profit operation that sells its tic and flea collar for $6.99, while a 'support collar' costs $4.99. The 'Barkstrong' and 'Purrstrong' pet collars are pictured above. The Oklahoma firm began distributing the collars after a July 2005 marketing pitch to Armstrong foundation officials was rejected outright, the lawsuit charges. Included with the Armstrong lawsuit is an exhibit containing photographs designed to show how many prominent figures have worn the 'Livestrong' wristband. Among the photos (some of which are paparazzi shots from supermarket tabloids) are images of Bono, Pam Anderson, Lindsay Lohan, Armstrong and Sheryl Crow, Prince William, and Kevin Federline. The Armstrong complaint seeks unspecified damages and the forfeiture of a web site through which the knockoff items are sold. (5 pages)