Uma Thurman sues Lancome in advertising dispute

Uma Thurman responded to French cosmetics giant Lancome's lawsuit against her with one of her own Friday, taking their contract dispute over the use of her name and face in an advertising campaign to federal court.

The "Kill Bill" star said in her lawsuit that Lancome Parfums et Beaute & Cie boosted its worldwide sales and enhanced its "prestige, stature and bargaining power" by helping retailers and others use her name and likeness in advertising and promotions after her contract expired.

The suit seeks $15 million in damages.

Lancome tried Wednesday to shield itself from legal action by the 38-year-old actress. Saying she had threatened litigation, the company asked a state judge to rule against her claim that her name and face were used on Canadian billboards and Asian Web sites later than the contract allowed.

Thurman's lawyer, Bertram Fields, has called Lancome's state lawsuit "a pre-emptive blow."

The dispute stems from a two-year contract Thurman and the company signed in April 2000, with an option to extend the agreement for another two years.