Today I can report on an ugly legal battle that has erupted between our national broadcaster, the ABC, and one of its biggest TV stars.

Artist, comedian, and author, Anh Do, has taken action against ABC TV for breach of trademark.

Anh Do would not comment, but a spokesperson for the ABC confirmed it had received advice that the TV star, best known for his role in the program Anh’s Brush With Fame in which he paints the portraits of well-known Australians, would be seeking “considerable damages”.

“We understand that soon after the Brush With Fame series began airing, Anh Do moved quickly to trademark the expression ‘Who the fuck is that meant to be?’, based on widespread reaction to his work, including by subjects who had sat for their portraits,” the spokesperson said. (main picture)

“Since that time the ABC has aired a new locally made series called Portrait Artist of the Year based on a similar British program in which three celebrities are painted by three artists each.

“Anh Do is asserting that the ABC has not only allowed but has encouraged wide and unauthorised use of his trademarked phrase.

“He says he can detect its use at the moment the portraits are revealed. (below)

“He claims it is used by TV viewers, the spectators who watch the show being filmed live, the show’s hosts, the judging panel, viewers at home, as well as the celebs themselves who sit for the portrait artists.

“He asserts that only people viewing his portraiture should be allowed to use the phrase and is seeking so far unspecified financial compensation. We intend to fight the action vigorously,” the spokesperson said.

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