Cartoonist sues McDonald's over Hamburglar

A commercial artist who claims he created a new look for McDonald's promotional characters such as Ronald McDonald and Hamburglar is suing the fast food chain.

Designer and cartoonist Donald Evans did freelance work for the fast food giant from 1986 to 2000. According to a writ filed in London, he redesigned many characters and created several new ones.

He claims McDonald's Restaurants Ltd, the UK subsidiary of the global company, reproduced or authorised the reproduction of some images without his permission, infringing his copyright.

Amanda Pierce, media relations manager for McDonald's Restaurants Ltd, said:

"We will be contesting the claim. The matter is subject to court proceedings and we are not able to discuss it further at this stage."