Versace family barred from using trademark

An American judge has banned a member of the Versace family from illegally using the Italian fashion house's trademarked name for his own products. Manhattan District Judge Peter Leisure imposed a permanent injunction against Alfredo Versace, who claims to be the cousin of Gianni Versace, the late fashion designer.

The injunction prohibits Alfredo from using the Versace name in any commercial context. Last year, Alfredo served a short sentende for contempt of court for ignoring prior orders not to manufacture watches, bottled water and clothes under the Versace trademark.