Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has sued "The 9 Limited", a Chinese online games company, for misappropriation of his portraiture rights recently.

The 9 Limited, an online game operator and developer in China, launched a new online game named "Winning Goal" last year and used the image of Maradona in the game. According to the9 Limited, Maradona had agreed to sign the contract of celebrity endorsement for the football-themed game since June 7 2010. Maradona, however, claimed that he had never contacted or cooperated with the Chinese company and the using of his image in "Winning Goal" was an act of tort. Moreover on May 31, he reiterated he would not accept such apology  lacking good faith.

As of now, The 9 Limited has not cease use of the advertisement in dispute. "It is our duty to safeguard Maradona's legitimate rights, and I hope there will be a good end" said Maradona's attorney Tang Qinghui.We will provide an in-depth coverage on this story on June 15.

(China IP News)