JESSICA SIMPSON - SIMPSON NAME BATTLE

JESSICA SIMPSON's name is being dragged through the courts as two companies battle over cash earned from her branding rights.

The DUKES OF HAZZARD actress sold the rights to her name for a staggering $10 million (GBP5.6 million) last year (04) to ANDREW KIRPLANI who promised to launch lines in children's clothes, accessories, sportswear and jewellery. But the tycoon set up Jessica Simpson Brand Management, only to pass the rights on for an inflated $15 million (GBP8.3 million).

Icon Licensing Group LLC - a company which markets celebrity names - has now filed papers against Kirplani's company claiming it is owed a minimum of $180,000 (GBP10,000) commission for a deal it set up shortly before the name was sold on.

Icon's attorney ROBERT SCHACHTER says, "My client was responsible for introducing the buyer to the seller."