A high-profile licensing deal inked by Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi to put the guidette’s name on everything from denim and lingerie to home goods has wound up in court.
Polizzi filed a complaint last month in Ulster County, NY — the “Jersey Shore” star’s legal residence — to end her partnership with SRG Ventures after the deal grabbed headlines earlier this year. SRG has worked with brands including the US Olympic Committee’s Team USA, Hohm and the Marilyn Monroe brand.
But now Snooki is looking to get out of the pact, Page Six has learned, claiming it wasn’t as lucrative as agreed upon. Meanwhile, SRG filed a motion yesterday to move the case to New York City in preparation for a counter-suit.
Snooki’s lawyers allege in court papers that SRG “failed to secure” royalty guarantees of at least $250,000 and a license from a major retailer for another $250,000, as the contract called for. It also says the SRG didn’t bring in “five licenses approved by [Polizzi].”
But SRG says it has a “preponderance of evidence” that it did achieve those “performance benchmarks,” and says the gnomish reality star is herself in breach of contract.
SRG claims Polizzi was too busy with other obligations to manage the deal properly, and that she said she owned trademarks she did not. It also says she turned down a deal with a fragrance firm introduced to her by SRG and then, “She and her management team went behind SRG’s back and consummated the deal” with the company.
SRG lawyer Robert J. Hantman said: “Whether in Ulster County, New York City or even the ‘Jersey Shore,’ our client will prevail. But we hope for an amicable resolution as SRG still loves Snooki and simply wants her to honor the contract she personally signed.”
A p.r. rep for Snooki said the litigation “is merely a business dispute. Ms. Polizzi does not comment on pending litigation. We are not able to provide any statement at this time.”