The Naked Cowboy’s New Suit

Apparently even Times Square busker The Naked Cowboy thinks it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. He is suing Clear Channel Communications, claiming a Tampa, Fla., radio station is promoting a copycat of his semi-famous persona.

Robert Burck, an Ohio native who has gained notoriety for strumming around New York City’s tourist center wearing only boots, cowboy hat, tighty whiteys and a smile, claims Tampa station 93.3 FLZ created its own “Naked Cowboy” who has appeared in videos and promotional appearances.

“The imposter has performed in a manner which not only unfairly trades upon, but also tarnishes the goodwill generated by the The Naked Cowboy during the course of his career as an entertainer,” according to Burck’s lawsuit filed May 28 in a New Jersey U.S. District Court.

The case is not the only legal contretemps involving The Naked Cowboy.

Gameloft, a European maker of mobile phone games, is suing him to halt claims that its “New York Nights” game infringes Burck’s trademark, according to a report in the Toronto Sun. Burck had apparently threatened to take legal action against the firm.

The French company reportedly asked for an order declaring that “Nick,” a guitar-playing character wearing a cowboy hat in Times Square, doesn’t infringe Burck’s rights.