Published Friday, 03 February 2012
Francis, the man behind the saucy Girls Gone Wild TV and movie empire, has sent the pop superstar a cease and desist letter, threatening to sue her if she sings her Girls Gone Wild track during her much-anticipated half-time performance.
In the correspondence, obtained by TMZ.com, he accuses the singer of attempting to get a "free ride on the valuable consumer goodwill and brand recognition" of his trademark.
Francis' lawyer states: "Your misappropriation of my clients' trademark will not be tolerated."
Madonna is not expected to perform the track at the Super Bowl and if she doesn't, Francis has offered her a deal so a future legal wrangle can be avoided - Madonna must agree to negotiate an immediate licensing agreement for the use of Francis' trademark.