The Rolling Stones sue fashion company over iconic logo

The Rolling Stones have launched legal action against a German fashion retailer for using their famous lips logo on promotional sales posters without permission.

The Brown Sugar hitmakers are suing bosses at clothing company New Yorker Fashion for using their mouth and tongue design on posters and clothing tickets, but the CEO of the company argues that the design is not exclusive to the rockers.

Lawyers from the group's Netherlands-based law firm Musidor BV are demanding a $315,000 (£210,000) settlement and a $25,500 (£17,000) fine.

A spokesperson for the band tells Britain's The Sun, "As with any band or major brand, we will be fiercely protective of our commercial properties, be that songs, gigs or logos. If we didn't chase up improper use, it would set a dangerous precedent."

However New Yorker Fashion CEO Fritz Knapp argues, "The tongue is not the Stones' alone. The posters were made by our creative department. I won't let the Stones ban my tongue."

Staff at stores have already had to remove 800 promotional posters and over 3,000 clothes tags with the logo on.