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:
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.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.)
Posted at 8:44 AM in Where's The Beef?
Tags: Weezer
another bad album perhaps?
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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...
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Actually the SAB in SAB Miller stands for South African Breweries. The parent is based in Johannesburg!
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I wonder if Rivers will sue Brandon Flowers for stealing his glasses.
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any place to see the Ad?
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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".
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Someone REALLY needs to start a band called "The Paintiff Cuomo" :D
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what's this miller beer stuff? is that a beer?
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Somebody hide the 18 year old asian chicks... Rivers is getting a payday!
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underage girls are soooo much fun.
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underage girls are soooo much fun.
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