A tongue-in-cheek ad for Newcastle Brown Ale has run into trouble with fashion house Yves Saint Laurent. The perfume maker has objected to the spoof ad of its controversial Sophie Dahl poster for Opium. The Newcastle Brown ad features one of its drinkers in the Sophie Dahl pose. A spokesman for Yves Saint Laurent said: "We take issue with the Opium ad being counterfeited by a beer brand. "We consider the visual remains the communication for a leading product in its category. "The visual was conceived as a work of art and we wish to preserve this heritage. We are taking action and will defend our rights." The poster version of the ad was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority because it was too explicit, but it is still used in press advertising. A Scottish Courage spokesman said its ad was one of a series of four executions which parody well known photographic poses. "We are surprised the ad has provoked this kind of reaction, especially when the history of advertising is documented with ads which send up other ads," he said. "We have asked Yves Saint Laurent to clarify their objections and are waiting for a response." The ads, which are still running, were introduced to support the launch of two new pack formats for Newcastle Brown. It can now be bought in 330ml bottles and on draught. {{DRINKS }}