LANCOME, the French beauty-products firm owned by L'Oreal SA, was sued for US$15 million by actress Uma Thurman over claims photographs of the "Pulp Fiction" star were used in advertisements without permission.

Lancome, based in Paris, failed to stop using the images after a four-year licensing agreement permitting such use expired in 2004, according to the breach-of-contract lawsuit filed last Friday in federal court in New York, Bloomberg News said.

"The worldwide and unauthorized use of Thurman's name and likeness for advertising purposes for years after the expiration dates significantly diluted the value of Thurman's name and likeness," according to the suit, which includes trademark-infringement claims.

Thurman, 38, claims Lancome also failed to give notice to global retailers selling its beauty products that the contract had expired, and that promotional materials bearing her image should be removed. Lancome was required to give such notice, Thurman claims.

Other potential licensors had ''the false impression that Thurman remained under contract with Lancome," according to the suit, which seeks money damages.