De Niro, Pacino sue over film watch ads

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino have filed a joint lawsuit in relation to a series of watch commercials linked to their 2008 film Righteous Kill.

The actors have sued German watchmaker Tutima and Overture Films for violating their rights of publicity by suggesting that they personally endorsed the watch in question.

"[The] defendants' actions have damaged De Niro's and Pacino's valuable reputations and diminished the commercial value of their name and images," said the lawsuit.

The papers, filed at a federal court in Manhattan, claimed that both actors had previously signed talent agreements that prohibited the use of their image without prior consent. It added that Pacino had never commercially endorsed a product and De Niro would only do so "under very specific and compelling circumstances".

Both stars are seeking monetary damages for breach of contract, violating their rights of publicity and a breach of privacy.

In a statement, Overture Films said: "We are surprised by this action as [we have] not received any communication on this matter for months from Pacino, De Niro or their representatives. We take lawsuits very seriously and our legal team is addressing the issue."

Tutima has yet to comment.