Who Knew Going Out Of Business Was Copyright Protected?

Lynch Sales Company and Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation filed an action on February 25, 2009 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Orlando) against Hudson's Furniture Showroom, Inc., Hudson's Broyhill Furniture Gallery, Inc. and C. Fred Hudson, III for copyright infringement, false designation of origin, common law trademark and trade dress claims, violation of Michigan Consumer Protection Act, and several other claims. The complaint alleges that the defendants used sales and advertising (such as the one below) without plaintiff's authorization. Plaintiff also apparently holds copyrights to several other "Going out of business!" advertisements as well. Just what you need when you are trying to wind things down - a copyright infringement action.