Yogi Berra - justified or frivilous law suit?

vito

vito

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Yogi Berra is suing a TV cable company for $10 million for running billboard ads in New York City that make reference to his name. These are racy ads for the TV show "Sex And The City".

The suit claims the ads "caused "severe damage to his reputation" with its reference to Kim Cattrall's sexually promiscuous character, Samantha."

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=464105

So what say you? Is this a legitimate law suit, or just another notch in the overly-litigious USA belt?

[* For those of you who don't know Yogi, he was a catcher for NYC in the 40s, 50s and 60s, and afterwards a Manager. He was well known for his famous sayings (or Yogi-isms)*]

Vito
 
I wish I had a million dollars, let alone 10. :-p

At any rate, solid evidence towards his reputation being damaged - he's got a case. Quite honestly I never would've known had he not raised a stink. Course I don't live in NYC.
 
I don't get the "tainting" of his name. However, I can understand the fact that they used his name without his permission. He does indeed have a case for that. I guess it comes down to questioning the value ($10 million) of the suit. How does one set the value of the damages?

Vito
 
You have to wonder why they never bothered to ask permission, Exon. Seems like a no brainer. Perhaps someone just dropped the ball in the overall process.

Vito
 
IMO it was not really about damage to his reputation. I think he didn't like the joke as apparently it doesn't suit his personality. (read his caracterisation in the article)

I wonder, could the defense go for "freedom of speech"?
 
I personally feel very strongly about celebrities (even athletes) sueing over the usage of their name. It may not be the law, but I feel that once you agree to make yourself a public figure, the use of your name becomes public domain (as long as its not used in a way to harm you). These law suits for ridiculous amounts of money by people that already have this kind of money are not needed. I don't see how his reputation was hurt by this ad and he should just accept the fact that he got publicity and move on with his life. Thats just how I feel in these types of cases.
 
Yeah, but Jordan greed is such a fun attribute. As I stated, I'd be happy with just a million - would get that Titan I've been droolin' over :)

I can see your argument, however at the same time I can also see how said individuals would want some sort of compensation for use of their name, wouldn't you want some sort of compensation if someone used your business name to somehow better their company/product? Granted it is a business name but same concept.
 
Oh absolutely. Most of my opinion is based on jealousy :). I would love to sue for 10 million dollars. I'm ready for a yacht ;)
 
but I feel that once you agree to make yourself a public figure, the use of your name becomes public domain
Click to expand...

The problem with this is...

When you are an A list celeb....your name also becomes a commodity. When you're a hall of famer, or even just over your career, that commodity is all you have left.

That is almost like going on to a car lot and borrowing one of their BMW's without their permission. The cars are how they make their money, and celebrities make their money from their name.

In addition, on a personal level, you certainly wouldn't want your name thrown into something you didn't support or appreciate.

Imagine your name getting thrown into an ad as a supporter, or affiliate for a racial hate group, without your permission or knowlegde.
 
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