Packer in dispute to protect the Crown name

James Packer's Crown Resorts has become embroiled in a billion-dollar legal dispute with property developer Iwan Sunito over claims he is cashing in on the Crown name.

Crown Resorts is claiming Mr Sunito's company, Crown Group and its subsidiaries, have breached a number of its trademarks including logos and brand names, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

It also alleges the Indonesian-born Mr Sunito is misleading consumers by using the brand associated with the casino company and its hospitality brand.

The Sydney-based property developer founded his Crown Group 17 years ago and has $3.5 billion worth of Australian residential developments projects in the pipeline.

A Crown Resorts spokesman told Fairfax Media the company had asked the court to restrain Crown Group from overstepping its trademarks. The company is also seeking damages.

"Crown Resorts has been left with no choice but to take this action to protect its hard-won reputation," he said.

"Crown Resorts has become increasingly concerned that Crown International Group is taking advantage of Crown Resorts' brands and reputation in its offerings of residential apartments, serviced apartments, hotel rooms and retail shopping."

A spokeswoman for Crown Group declined to comment when contacted by Fairfax Media, other than to confirm their lawyers were looking into the matter.

In its statement of claim Crown Resorts, and its subsidiary Crown Melbourne, outline 16 different trademarks that Crown Group has allegedly infringed, the media outlet reports.

These include Crown Apartments, Crown Towers and Crown Resort and three pending trademarks.