The grocery store Dominick’s – which closed all its stores last year – has to pay $8.9 million to Michael Jordan after using his name and brand in a steak ad without permission in 2009, Complex reports.
Arguing that it hurt his brand image, and doing this on principal, Jordan believed a law suit was the right approach. Upon hearing about the win, Jordan released the following statement:
I’m pleased with today’s verdict. No one — whether or not they’re a public figure — should have to worry about their identity being used without their permission. The case was not about the money as I plan to donate the proceeds to charity. It was about honesty and integrity. I hope this case sends a clear message, both here in the United States and around the world, that I will continue to be vigilant about protecting my name and identity. I also hope the size of the monetary reward will deter others from using someone else’s identity and believe they will only pay a small penalty.
ESPN sports business reporter, Darren Rovell tweeted the following:
BREAKING: Jury says Safeway, Dominick's owner, has to pay Michael Jordan $8.9 MILLION for this ad in SI in 2009 pic.twitter.com/DD6O7Rt3D9
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 22, 2015
Well, the moral to the story here is do not use anyone’s name and brand without their permission. And definitely not Michael Jordan’s.
article by Kovie Biakolo via hellobeautiful.com
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
All the money that regular black kids paid for his shoes goes to show that the young people plight in America, means nothing to Michael Jordan. I use to by my kids his shoes! why could he not give something back to the people that help put him on the map? Mothers and fathers never buy anything from Michael Jordan again. Every time a black person make it money wise in this country they never ever remember the ones that help put them there! Why could he not give that money to black people (masses) that have nothing in this world? He made it on black peoples back. shame on you Michael Jordan.