With all the recent hubbub around General Motors reorganizing its marketing campaigns and strategies, this ad-based lawsuit stands out like a sore thumb.
Way back in September, GMC ran four-page ad in People's "Sexiest Man Alive" issue. Nothing special there. However, a part of the ad used Einstein's face on a model's body, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has the rights to his image (which earned $10 million last year)
Now the university is suing GM for $75,000, claiming Einstein's likeness was fraudulently used in the ad. GM spokeswoman Ryndee Carney defends GM by saying the automaker bought the right to use the image from a known firm, and that the ad itself (which only ran in that issue) was created by the Leo Burnett agency.
John T. Brooks, an estate/trust lawyer for Foley & Lardner LLP in Chicago, explains how all this might play out: "It may be GM thought, 'Oh, he died and the rights are all public domain now.' It's old and cold and nobody's got rights to it...I suppose you could make a business decision that you can make so much money that you can withstand a lawsuit that would tell them to stop and fine them something. It wouldn't be the first time a corporation has done something thinking they might pay the price for it, but it's worth it."
Of course it's worth it; all this lawsuit is for General Motors is extra publicity generated by a bought-and-pain-for ad from last September.
By Phil Alex
Via: Detnews
15 Comments:
Mans Jews always trying to jew some money
don't blame the university for suing GM for this very unflattering portrayal of a great person in history...wonder how GM's new ceo would like being shown in his undies like this.
Was Albert Jewish or American?
Always after a quick buck those jews.
"don't blame the university for suing GM for this very unflattering portrayal of a great person in history...wonder how GM's new ceo would like being shown in his undies like this."
You've never seen the uncompromising photo of Einstine sticking his tounge out and the countless ads that used it to market stuff?
Hypocrit.
to the last anonymous, learn how to spell or are you learning disabled? ...and shame on Carscoop for posting all this Anti-Semitic rhetoric that has really nothing to do with cars.
last anonymous.. get off your high horse.. I think you'll find the terminology is Disabled: Whether learning or Physical..
Its because of pricks like you, everything becomes censored and not suitable.. its a blog, someone's opinion. If you don't like it, don't read it..
no it's (not its) learning disabled which answers my question about you.
Well, someone is pro-censorship!
Shame on you.
Antisemitism is the issue here, not censorship. Carscoop is not responsible for the ignorance of some readers and responders. The issue as to whether or not to include a topic is one of discretion. Some might agree, while others may disagree. I, too, think the topic is irrelevant here. The law suit was covered by CNN and The New York Times, too. It is "news" and a story worthy of print and radio and television coverage. Personally, this auto-blog is not a venue I would expect to find such information, except for the FACT that GMC is at the forefront here. The idiocy is solely with a small few, not the editors of Carscoop. If not for the association with GM/automobile advertising, I would be the first to question the fine authors here. Fortunately, this is not the case. Kudos to Carscoop. My pity goes out to those fools either promoting or practicing Antisemitism here and throughout the world. Their loss... I am a Christian. Jesus was Jew. I respect all non-violent religions and the rights and practices of non-believers.
the amount of money is far less than what many would ask for in such a lawsuit. gm should pay up if the story is true of the ownership of the great einstein's likeness. it is pittance! amen to the above poster. ignorant people speak for themselves. i pity them and their children, as yet another generation will likely grow up missing out and feeling insecure.
Stop with your religious crap! omfg!
"I am a Christian."
I feel sorry for you. That basically publiclly admitting that you still belive in fairy tales.
Ok .... the university is after money ...a quick buck ... I don't see this add being a big dill .... some people just need something to bitch about and get a lot of money on the side ... It bullshit ..just like they now put a warning that your coffee is hot ..NO SHIT ....I want it hot . but the company has to, so no one can sue them for it ....it a waist of time and a insult of my intelligence
oh albert was german and came to us he worked on nuclear bomb.shocker!
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