Naked Cowboy Confronts Naked Cowgirl, Claims Copyright Infringement

39-year-old American busker Robert Burck has been spotted at various locations across the United States, such as Times Square in New York City, since 1997. Burck is best known for giving tourists the illusion of nudity by wearing only a strategically placed guitar, boxer briefs, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. Much to the Naked Cowboy’s chagrin, his territory has been invaded by an infringing Naked Cowgirl.

Entertainer Sandy Kane has been seen on Times Square wearing a similar, yet slightly less revealing, cowboy outfit and she has received a stern warning from the man who she is imitating. According to Manolith, the Naked Cowboy has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Naked Cowgirl, in which he is seeking $150,000 in compensation for copyright infringement.

Burck’s manager, Todd Rubenstein, commented on the situation by saying, “If she’s going to sell stuff and make money off of it, then, yeah, she’s going to have to pay.” An excerpt from Burck’s letter to Kane reads, “Your use of Naked Cowgirl is essentially identical to the Naked Cowboy and is clearly in violation [of the Naked Cowboy trademark].”

The Naked Cowgirl responded to the copyright infringement claims by stating that she does not sell any products. Kane claims that she only sells photographs for $2 each. Interestingly enough, Burck and Kane intended on performing a duet together prior to their feud, but plans fell apart when she refused to sign a franchise agreement.