Rapper 50 Cent says he is known for his "gangsta image"

He describes himself in the legal action as a "hugely successful" artist "known for his good looks, 'gangsta' image and hard knocks success story".

He is seeking more than �1m (�555,150) from Gary Barbera Enterprises for a Dodge Magnum advert with the line "Just Like 50 Says" alongside a photo of him.

The company said 50 Cent previously recorded a radio advert for it.

Marketing director Eric Gerstein told newspapers in Philadelphia that it had paraphrased the radio spot.

He added the company had explained its position to representatives for 50 Cent - whose real name is Curtis Jackson - and thought the situation was resolved.