Las Vegas NowLVCVA Hires Law Firm for 'What Happens' Lawsuit

LVCVA Hires Law Firm for 'What Happens' Lawsuit

Contact Reporter Brian Allen

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors has retained a San Francisco law firm as it prepares for a possible lawsuit involving its "what happens here, stays here" advertising campaign.

It's now an unmistakable part of Las Vegas lore -- "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas"  -- you hear it on sitcoms and late night TV. Who owns the phrase and who can use it is now the basis of legal action.

LVCVA Chairman, Mayor Oscar Goodman, wants answers. "Reputations are of course at stake whenever these issues become public."

This begins with Las Vegas ad firm R&R Partners suing California businesswoman, Dorothy Tovar. She sells "what happens here, stays here" t-shirts. R&R created the phrase, and is suing for trademark infringement.

The LVCVA did own the phrase, but sold it back to R&R in November for $1, without board approval. Now, R&R is asking a court to add the LVCVA to their lawsuit against Tovar.

"Gentlemen, I know that you want to be heard publicly but this is not the time." The dollar buy back deal was agreed upon between LVCVA Director, Rossi Ralenkotter and R&R Partners, Billy Vassiliadis. Both declined requests for an interview.

The LVCVA board has hired the San Francisco based Morrison and Foerster law firm to represent them in the Tovar matter, and to investigate the dollar buy back deal. Zane Greshman is with the firm, "We are sensitive to the special concerns and responsibilities of this board to protect the public interest."

The firm has advised all parties involved not to speak publicly about this matter. Their investigation will begin soon.

A Nevada District Court judge in Reno will soon rule on R&R's request to add the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to their lawsuit.

The LVCVA board did not give any indication Tuesday morning if they would seek to reclaim ownership of the phrase from R&R Partners.