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Pal: Why Kim Kardashian Sued Old Navy Over Lookalike Ad

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A wedding isn't the only thing on Kim Kardashian's summertime agenda.

On Wednesday, the reality star, 31, sued Old Navy and its parent company, the Gap Inc., in an L.A. court over a popular Old Navy ad featuring a Kim lookalike, singer-model Melissa Molinaro. Kardashian alleges that that the "Super C-U-T-E" ad, which began airing in February and became a YouTube phenomenon, violated her publicity rights — and that consumers may mistakenly believe Kardashian herself is endorsing Old Navy's clothes.

Related: EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: The Kardashian clan's sexy vacation

She seeks unspecified damages and wants to prevent Old Navy from using a lookalike in future ads.

Explains a source close to the engaged reality star and mogul: "She's protecting her brand ..She can't let another brand use her image to sell clothes!"

Related: PHOTOS: Kim and Kris Humphries road to the altar

Indeed, the legal papers state that Kardashian "has invested substantial time, energy, finances and entrepreneurial effort in developing her considerable professional and commercial achievements and success, as well as in developing her popularity, fame, and prominence in the public eye."

"She's a businesswoman who has to protect her brand," the insider tells Us. "Bottom line."

Related: PHOTOS: Hollywood's biggest flirts

As it happens, Old Navy ad star Molinaro is now dating Reggie Bush — Kardashian's ex-beau, with whom she split in early 2010.

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