NEW YORK, June 10 (Reuters) - Tom Bodett, known for his

radio and TV ads telling travelers that at Motel 6 "we'll leave

the light on for you," has sued the motel chain for using his

name and voice without permission, after their nearly

four-decade relationship broke down.

In a complaint filed on Monday night in Manhattan federal

court, Bodett said he cut ties with Motel 6 after its new owner,

India-based OYO, missed a $1.2 million annual payment due on

January 7 under their contract, which was to end in November.

Bodett said Motel 6 nonetheless kept using his name and

voice on its national reservation phone line, violating his

rights under the contract and federal trademark law.

The 70-year-old author and voice actor is known for

appearances on National Public Radio and in several Ken Burns

documentaries, as well as for his smooth baritone.

Bodett said he tried negotiating a confidential settlement

that would recognize his role in building Motel 6, not hurt its

image or franchisees, and provide "graceful closure," but the

chain responded only with "misrepresentations, obfuscations, and

delay tactics."

The lawsuit seeks $1.2 million, plus additional unspecified

damages and a share of profits.

Motel 6 had no immediate comment on Tuesday.

Bodett had been Motel 6's lead spokesman since 1986, and

said he coined "we'll leave the light on for you" as an ad-lib.

Motel 6 has more than 1,450 locations in the United States

and Canada, according to its website. OYO is a global travel

technology unit of Oravel Stays, which bought Motel 6

from Blackstone Real Estate for $525 million in December.

The case is Bodett et al v G6 Hospitality LLC et al, U.S.

District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-04854.