Artist Robb Havassy Files Suit against A&F, Hollister Co.; Suit Filed by Prominent Artist Alleges Unlawful Use of Copyrighted Materials and Personal Identity.

LOS ANGELES -- In a lawsuit filed today by attorneys representing 36-year-old professional artist Robb Havassy of Orange County, Calif., Havassy alleges Hollister Co. and parent company Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) are liable for the unauthorized use of Havassy's artwork and personal identity in the retailer's national in-store marketing and branding.

In the suit, Havassy seeks remuneration for the use of his artwork and name by Hollister over the past several years, and for any future use. He also requests public acknowledgment that they used his graphic designs without his knowledge and permission.

According to Havassy, a reproduction of one of his popular "surf art" surfboards, made to exacting detail, is prominently featured in the front area displays of all 300 Hollister stores nationwide, serving as the only persisting piece of surf merchandise the retailer has used to brand its "surf style" aesthetic over the course of the past few years.

"It's frustrating on a number of levels to have had control over my work taken-away from me, and then be associated with a company that I wouldn't choose to work with under normal circumstances, especially considering the reflection it casts on me with respect to the companies that have legitimately supported and promoted me and my art worldwide," says Havassy.

ABOUT ROBB HAVASSY: Southern California-born-and-raised Robb Havassy is a well-known and collected artist in the action sports industry. In addition to his portrait work, he actively designs apparel, accessories and marketing materials with companies including Reef, Ocean Pacific, Howe Jeans and Robert August. He is also active with environmental and youth-based philanthropies, including Surfrider Foundation, Surfaid International, Heal the Bay and Family Solutions. For more information, log-on at www.havassyart.com.