Uma embroiled in legal battle with Lancome

Hollywood actress Uma Thurman has become entrenched in a legal battle with the French cosmetics firm Lancome.

The Kill Bill star agreed a two-year contract with Lancome in 2000 to be the face of its products, but she claims that her images have continued to be used on Canadian billboards and Asian websites after the contract expired.

As a result, Uma's lawyers are arguing that the actress is entitled to $1 million (£510,000).

However Lancome claims that the use of Uma's image by third parties is not its responsibility.

Bertram Fields, Uma's lawyer, told the Associated Press that he was surprised the matter had been taken to court.

"I thought we were negotiating in good faith. I guess the French decided to strike a pre-emptive blow," he said.

He added: "I'm delighted that the case will go before a jury. They got an enormous benefit throughout the world after the contract was over, and $1 million doesn't begin to do it."