The actor and his co-defendants claim the allegations of ‘fraudulent conduct’ are baseless

 

DAVID Beckham is suing actor Mark Wahlberg after a fitness brand deal soured — leaving him £8.5million out of pocket.

His firm, DB Ventures Ltd, is claiming the Hollywood star “duped” the England footie legend into working with F45.

David Beckham is suing actor Mark Wahlberg after a fitness brand deal soured — leaving him £8.5million out of pocketCredit: Getty

Wahlberg and his co-defendants claim the allegations of ‘fraudulent conduct’ are baseless and have asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuitCredit: Getty
At 48, Beckham agreed to serve as the global ambassador for the firm upon his relocation to LA, where he forged a friendship with Wahlberg, 52. However, Beckham is now embroiled in a legal battle with Wahlberg’s company, Mark Wahlberg Investment Group (MWIG), and the founders of gym group F45, Adam Gilchrist and Rob Deutsch.

Beckham alleges that he suffered losses exceeding £8.5 million when stocks he was promised were deliberately withheld until after share prices took a nosedive. In response, Wahlberg and his co-defendants deny any fraudulent conduct and have petitioned the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

According to the defendants, DB Ventures Limited (DBVL), Beckham’s business entity, is attempting to shift blame onto others, as evidenced by the extensive 209-page, 610-paragraph complaint. They argue that the complaint is long-winded and lacks merit.

Initially, Beckham joined forces with golfing legend Greg Norman, who also had grievances against F45. However, a judge later ruled that they must pursue separate legal action.

Having resided in the same Beverly Hills neighborhood as Wahlberg since his move to Los Angeles in 2007 with Victoria, the former Man Utd and Real Madrid ace developed a close friendship with the Hollywood star.

David Beckham wins £240million legal battle against online counterfeiters flogging fakes of his gear

Becks will be pleased the counterfeiters must cease selling, as well as give up profits

DAVID Beckham has won a £240million legal battle against dozens of online counterfeiters flogging fakes of his designer gear.

The ex-England ace, 48, is a director of a firm which had been seeking up to £1.6million from each of 150 online sellers, mostly in Asia, profiting from the racket.

David Beckham has won a big legal case against counterfeiters flogging rip-off versions of his merch onlineCredit: AFP – Getty

Becks pictured doing his morning workout yesterdayCredit: Instagram
DB Ventures looks after the star’s most lucrative deals and had filed a lawsuit in the US.

Paperwork from the case shows the counterfeiters were selling via sites including Amazon, eBay and Etsy.

The items included clothing, shirts and footwear, footballs, perfume, hair and bodycare products, posters, video games, eyewear, jewellery, and watches.

The complaint said: “Their sale poses a real threat to DBV’s brand, and affects the sustainability of its business.

“It also affects individuals and companies who unwittingly purchase them.”

Their sale poses a real threat to DBV’s brand

Complaint In David Beckham’s Legal Case

Last August, Beckham was granted a temporary injunction and asset freeze, which has now been made permanent by the judge. The court order also ruled in favor of DB Ventures Limited’s motion for a default judgment against 44 of the defendants, awarding £8,000 for each infringement. The total award of £352,000 is considerably less than the £240 million sought by Beckham’s team from the 15 firms collectively. Nonetheless, Beckham will likely be satisfied that the counterfeiters are compelled to cease selling and surrender their profits.

DBV had enlisted the services of trademark specialists The Sladkus Law Group to halt the illicit sales. Partner Jeffrey Sladkus detailed in the filing that tracking the sites proved challenging, as they often lacked accurate addresses or phone numbers. Legal action was deemed the most effective means to put an end to their operations.

In the midst of legal proceedings, Beckham and his wife Victoria shared weekend pictures of themselves at the gym.

David showed off his six-pack while Victoria wore grey activewear in the post to her 32million followers.

The ex-Spice Girl joked: “Saturday workout with this fit guy! You’re welcome!!! Kisses.”

Beckham’s official merch includes this fragranceCredit: The Fragrance Shop

Counterfeit eyewear was also sold online

Victoria joined him in the gym at the weekend