Michael Douglas Sues Two Florida Companies Over Image Use

Hollywood star Michael Douglas is suing two Florida companies to block the use of his name and image in a series of short educational programs.

The 61-year-old actor filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale against Family Television Studios and Paradigm Media Group, two related companies operating out of different suites in the same office building in Boca Raton.

According to the lawsuit, Douglas was hired by the companies to host the "Learning About…" series of programs on the understanding that they were non-commercial and intended for broadcast on public television stations.

But, Douglas claims, the shows about music, science and history were "highly commercial" and Paradigm Media tried to sell corporate sponsorships. Further, the suit accuses the companies of using footage of Douglas in another program, "Simple Living", without his permission.

The star is seeking a court order preventing the companies from using his name and likeness as well as damages "in excess of $5 million."