George Kovacs, a lighting designer and marketer for more than 50 years who also influenced the world of contemporary furniture with his cutting-edge designs and materials, has died. He was 80.

Kovacs' product advertising reflected his sense of humor and departure from the norm in home furnishings marketing. In addition to selling his own designs, the home furnishings and interior designers he represented included Ingo Maurer, Isamu Noguchi and Karim Rashid.

He later formed a partnership with designer Alicia Wesner, who created the Space Boy and Holy lamp designs.

In 2003, the duo licensed their lighting designs to the Minka Group and planned to expand their design activities into furniture and other home areas.

Among the many awards Kovacs received was the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ARTS Academy in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son and three grandchildren.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the TEAK Fellowship, 16 West 22nd St., New York, N.Y. 10010.