Horse Race Announcer Files Trademark Suit Over Bill Murray Line

The 2014 film “St. Vincent” used a horse-racing broadcaster’s trademark catchphrase as a line for actor Bill Murray without the broadcaster’s permission, a new lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiff Dave Johnson claims that Murray saying “And down the stretch they come!” would confuse consumers into thinking he endorsed its use in the film and would dilute a trademark he first used in the 1960s. The March 20 complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. names production companies including Chernin Entertainment, The Weinstein Company LLC and Lantern Capital Partners LP as defendants.

The case will test ...