Kim Kardashian Is Suing Doctor Over the Famous "Vampire Facial"
Following “infringement of registered mark, false association” and more.
In 2013, Kim Kardashian made the “vampire facial” famous in an episode of Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, and posted the now-iconic facial of herself with her face covered in blood. Now, Kardashian is suing the doctor Charles Runels as well as the Cellular Medicine Association for using her photos without her permission, and promoting the procedure without her consent.
In 2018, Kim Kardashian shared that she regrets getting the facial done, adding that it was really “rough and painful” for her and that she wouldn’t do it again. Following the clinic’s usage of the imagery, Kim’s attorneys filed a complaint for copyright infringement, infringement of registered mark, false association, violation of the right of publicity and California common law trademark infringement.
The court document state: “Defendant Charles Runels is a doctor in Alabama. In characteristically self-promoting fashion, he describes himself alternatively as the ‘Orgasm Doctor’ and the ‘Calvin Klein of medicine,.’” It proceeds with, “to that end, while he appears to maintain a small practice in Alabama, most of his time is spent touting the various cosmetic procedures he has purported to trademark—including, as relevant here, the Vampire Facial.”
It remains to see what will come from the lawsuit, but make sure to watch this space as any more information surfaces.
