**** actress

[bettyboopcrazy]

in my search for those who do our Ms Boop wrong i have come across a **** actress who is useing her name is that allowed.

[The Moocher]

If it's the one I'm thinking about, she's been around for a long time and must be getting a bit old for that profession:) Didn't she do a film with Linda Lovelace?

As far as I understand, anyone can adopt a professional name provided it's not used for fraudulent purposes. In other words you can call yourself Elvis Presley provided you don't claim or pretend to be THE Elvis Presley. However, I'm not a lawyer, so don't go by what I say.

Mooch

[The Moocher]

Acually, I think my last statement was wrong. I remember that Tina Turner went through a long court battle to retain the stagename 'Tina Turner' after she had split up with Ike.

So I'm not sure whether an actress (**** star or not) can call herself Betty Boop. I do recall reading something about an actress with that name, but it was some time ago - before Betty had the profile she has today.

Mooch

[bettyboopfan]

That is a good question. I personally have no idea if this "lady" can use Betty's name or not.

[The Moocher]

If she's been using it unchallenged for the last 20 years it would be difficult to stop her.

Personally, I'm not particularly worried. I can't see there being any confusion between an extrovert but basically innocent cartoon character and a skin-flick-chick.

Mooch

[bettyboopfan]

Good point, Mooch!

[Bikerbettyboop]

Personally I think it's illegal for her to use the name but hey what do I know.

[The Moocher]

There's also a singer called Betty Boo. Her real name is Alison Clarkston.

Obviously it's a name people will remember because of Betty Boop, but I can't see that it is an infringement of copyright.

Mooch

[Bikerbettyboop]

hmmm... I don't know the answer to that one... it's pretty close if you ask me.

[The Moocher]

Stage or "professional" names need to be registered. Thomas Jones, the lead singer of the Monkees, couldn't call himself Tom Jones, so he became Davy Jones.

I really don't know the position when a live performer calls him/herself after a cartoon character. I think there is an actor called Michael Mouse.

However, this is one we really do not want to push (IMHO). Fleischer Studios was accused of stealing Helen Kane's "Boop oop a doop" for Betty's name, but actually the theft was even more blatant. Blondie Bumstead was Blondie Boop-a-doop when the Blondie cartoon series started in 1930 (before she married Dagwood). Betty became Betty Boop not long afterwards.

Remember glass houses and half-bricks................

Mooch

[bettyboopfan]

Everybody has made some good points.