You won't find Bela Lugosi Jr., the son and namesake of the world's most famous vampire, starring in the latest blood-chilling horror movie. Instead, the noted intellectual property attorney spends his days protecting the publicity rights of his famed father and representing relatives of other celebrities trying to maintain control of their loved ones' public images.

     Lugosi will address the DePaul University College of Law at noon, March 9 in the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 8005. He will discuss celebrities, their right to determine how their images are used and intellectual property law as it applies to celebrity heirs. A reception will follow the lecture at 3 p.m. next door at 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 610. Both events are free and open to the public.

     Given the moniker of his illustrious father the younger Lugosi could easily have tried his hand at acting, but he opted for a career in law. After graduating from the University of Southern California law school in 1964, he practiced business law with an emphasis in environmental litigation.

     He did not delve into the world of movie stars professionally until 1993 when he represented the heirs of two members of the Three Stooges who were suing the family of the third "stooge" for withholding income from merchandise sales. Lugosi brought to the case experience he had acquired managing the licensing, merchandising and publicity rights of his dad, best known for his film portrayal of Count Dracula.

     After winning the case, Lugosi shifted gears and began managing and representing the intellectual property rights of celebrities full-time. In 1996, he left the business litigation firm where he had practiced for 32 years and joined the Glendale, Calif., law firm of Benjamin, Lugosi & Benjamin, specializing in intellectual property.

     A fierce advocate for the right of celebrities, and their heirs, to control the use of their images, Lugosi was the plaintiff in the 1977 landmark celebrity rights case Lugosi v. Universal, which challenged the use of his father's image by Universal Pictures. He also was active in efforts to enact the California Celebrity Rights Act of 1984.

     Lugosi's lecture is presented by the College of Law's intellectual property program. Headed by Roberta Kwall, Raymond P. Niro Professor of Intellectual Property Law at DePaul, the program offers more than twenty-five courses in intellectual property and related areas.

Note to Editors: Reporters wishing to cover the lecture or reception should call Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039.