Rihanna's s&m lawsuit heading to trial

Rihanna's legal battle with David Lachapelle over her S&M music video is heading to trial after a judge in New York granted the famed photographer permission to continue his case against the singer.

The celebrity snapper sued the star earlier this year (11) over allegations her controversial promo, which was banned in 11 countries across the world, was "directly derived" from some of his images.

The case went to court in New York and in a ruling released on Thursday (21Jul11), U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin noted alleged similarities between the music video and LaChapelle's work and paved the way for the lawsuit to go to trial.

Judge Scheindlin dismissed LaChapelle's claims of trade-dress infringement, unfair competition and unjust enrichment, but allowed him to proceed with his allegation of copyright violation.

A conference between the parties is scheduled for 10 August (11).