LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A lawsuit was filed in federal court in Los Angeles over the unauthorized use of the name "Nicky O," as in Nicky O. Hilton, the Hilton Hotel heiress.
TMZ.com reported Wednesday that Hilton had partnered with Eneliko Smith -- who claimed to be an experienced operator and marketer of boutique hotels -- in a venture that Hilton was interested in developing.
The suit alleges Hilton later learned that Smith had allegedly filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for his own exclusive rights to the name "Nicky O."
Smith told TMZ he felt he was entitled to use the concept since he had created it, even though Hilton had taken the idea to another firm.
The lawsuit claimed that the name "Nicky O" alone could "attract a valuable demographic of young affluent guests." Hilton is seeking damages and an injunction to keep Smith from using the name.
