October 14, 2009 15:46

Sex Pistols to sue over 'God Save The Cream' ad campaign?

Icecreamists' ads are too similar to Jamie Reid's famous artwork, lawyers say

Sex Pistols' lawyers have threatened an ice cream company with legal action because of similarities in their advertising campaign and the band's artwork and lyrics.

London-based company Icecreamists' online advertisements feature a picture of the Queen backed by a Union flag, with an ice cream spoon in her mouth and the words "God save the cream" written across her face. Lawyers for the band say the design is too similar to the Sex Pistols' Jamie Reid-designed artwork, which was used on singles including 'God Save The Queen'.

Icecreamists is understood to have received a letter from lawyers after the band's holding company Glitterbest initially registered a complaint in August, reports Media Guardian. The letter stipulates that Icecreamists stop using the Sex Pistols influences to advertise their products, which include deck chairs and T-shirts.

Speaking about the dispute, Icecreamists' founder Matt O'Connor said he was surprised that the band appear to be concerned.

"We are a bit dumbfounded that a group that made its reputation for being banned is trying to ban one of our ice creams[/b]," he said.

Icecreamists also offer an absinthe-based ice-cream cocktail called the Sex Pistol.