MARIA SHARAPOVA - SHARAPOVA LOSES DOCUMENTARY LEGAL BATTLE

SHARAPOVA LOSES DOCUMENTARY LEGAL BATTLE

Tennis ace MARIA SHARAPOVA's bid to halt a documentary which features footage of her has been blocked by a Miami, Florida, judge. The Russian-born blonde feared fans would mistake the film for an official documentary, and claimed it violated trademark laws. However, a federal judge ruled yesterday (02AUG06) that production company Byzantium Productions Inc could distribute both ANNA'S ARMY and a second documentary, RUSSIAN WOMEN'S TENNIS. PETER GEISLER, the company's vice president, said, "We're thrilled to have this all over with. It's been a long battle - they destroyed our business. "This should allow distribution to continue, but my guess is that it's most likely too late." As well as footage of Sharapova, the films also boast interviews with MARTINA NAVRATILOVA, BILLIE JEAN KING and CHRIS EVERT.