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October 3, 2006

Beer Ad Without Permission Always Leads To Litigation

Isn't that how that drinking rhyme goes? Well, the Miller Brewing Company (of Miller beer fame) forgot that bit of wisdom when, allegedly, it ran ads in Rolling Stone using Weezer's name and likeness without clearing it with the band. If true, that's insanely moronic –- even for a beer company. TMZ got its hands on a copy of the lawsuit (pdf) filed by Weezer against Miller. We parsed its pages and thought we'd share some fun facts from the complaint. Did you know:

  • That Miller "is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAB Miller plc of the United Kingdom," which means that, legally, Miller is an import (and we are classier drinkers than we thought!). (See Point 6.)

  • That "the name 'Weezer' is recognized instantly by the public ... and has substantial commercial value." We don't think Miller should stipulate to this fact; it even took us a few seconds to remember who Weezer were. (Kidding, Cuomo lovers.) (See Point 12.)

  • That "Plaintiff Cuomo is the sole owner of 'Weezer' trademark." This is further proof that they don't let dummys into Harvard. (See Point 13.)

  • That the band feels it has been damaged because "the 'Weezer' name has been associated with other bands and musical performers with whom Plaintiffs do not wish to be associated in any advertisement." This is further proof that "Beverly Hills" was not ironic and that Weezer are now, like, totally snooty. (See Point 17.)
  • The complaint goes on to state that although damages have yet to be determined, they are "believed to be in the millions of dollars." Man, you could buy a shit load of Miller Genuine Draft with that kind of money! Wonder what Weezer will spend it on.

    Posted at 8:44 AM in
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    11 Comments

    another bad album perhaps?

    Posted by: tobias funke at 10/03/06 8:54 AM | Reply
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    I'm just surprised it took them two years to file this suit - though I guess back then they were too busy dealing with other lawsuits against them from their ex-bassist and ex-management...

    Posted by: Hasief at 10/03/06 9:08 AM | Reply
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    Actually the SAB in SAB Miller stands for South African Breweries. The parent is based in Johannesburg!

    Posted by: Ass Twat at 10/03/06 9:58 AM | Reply
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    I wonder if Rivers will sue Brandon Flowers for stealing his glasses.

    Posted by: scott at 10/03/06 10:27 AM | Reply
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    any place to see the Ad?

    Posted by: strobie at 10/03/06 10:44 AM | Reply
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    do lawyers get paid by the word? that's a *lot* of fucking text to say "we're weezer; people know us; miller owes us some coin".

    Posted by: john marhsall at 10/03/06 11:40 AM | Reply
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    Someone REALLY needs to start a band called "The Paintiff Cuomo" :D

    Posted by: Besidethesea at 10/03/06 12:34 PM | Reply
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    what's this miller beer stuff? is that a beer?

    Posted by: balumpus at 10/03/06 12:40 PM | Reply
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    Somebody hide the 18 year old asian chicks... Rivers is getting a payday!

    Posted by: doclewis at 10/03/06 1:46 PM | Reply
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    underage girls are soooo much fun.

    Posted by: van damme at 10/04/06 2:27 PM | Reply
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    underage girls are soooo much fun.

    Posted by: van damme at 10/04/06 2:28 PM | Reply
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