Austrian businessman RICHARD LUGNER has dismissed reports Paris Hilton's management have threatened to sue him and his wife CHRISTINA over "self-promotional" birthday presents.

Christina Lugner gave Hilton, who was the couple's guest of honour at this year's (07) Vienna Opera Ball, a watch, a Blackberry and a pair of skis for her 26th birthday (17FEB07). However, according to media reports in Austria, Hilton's management suspected promotional misuse and threatened legal action after the press conference presentation.

But Richard Lugner insists he knows nothing about a lawsuit and hasn't been contacted by Hilton's management yet.

He tells the online edition of Austrian newspaper Oesterreich, "I only heard of it through the media."

However, he concedes he can imagine why management could have taken offence, adding, "At the press conference, there was also the general manager of the ski firm who wanted to give Paris the present personally and take a photo with her. That was refused by Paris' management."

He claims his wife then presented Hilton with the gift herself and that no pictures were taken. Lugner adds, "Why should I promote Skis or mobile phones. I don't get anything out of it."