Lithuanian TV channel TV3 (www.tv3.lt) has been sued over a Mrs. Universe contest held on August 21. The Miss Universe Organization in the U.S. filed a lawsuit on August 24 citing copyright violation.

The Lithuanian pageant attracted competitors from 22 countries, with a theme putting attention on the issue of human trafficking. The Miss Universe contest was held on August 23, with contestants from 83 countries.

Erikas Saukalas, representing the US company, said, "Our claim is very simple. The title was used illegally because all rights belong to the U.S.-based company."

Evelina Gruzdiene, director of the Lithuanian pageant, responded, "Universe is a generic word, so the U.S. company's claims are ungrounded."  

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