Kevin Butler Actor Settles in Sony Lawsuit
Admits to potential consumer confusion in competing advert.
Jerry Lambert, the actor who played fictional PlayStation executive Kevin Butler, has settled a legal case with Sony over the use of the character's image in a competing advertisement.
Sony slung out a lawsuit against Lambert and the advertising agency he runs after he appeared in a Bridgestone Tires commercial, seemingly enjoying a Wii game. In the settlement, Lambert admitted that his appearance could have created confusion to those who associated him with the PlayStation mascot.
Lambert has agreed to not appear in any adverts that feature video games for at least two years, as a result of the settlement. He also has to give notice to Sony if he does appear in any such spots after the ban is lifted, so that his former employer can "assess whether or not Lambert's intended performance violates [Sony's] rights in the Kevin Butler character."
Sony's lawsuit against Lambert and his Wildcat Creek company began in October 2012, shortly after the offending advert was aired in September. Within the same week, Bridgestone Tires defended Lambert and claimed his appearance was not that of Kevin Butler - but later removed him using video editing tools.
So that's that. Kevin Butler is now the VP of Commercial Bans.
Source: Media Post
Sony slung out a lawsuit against Lambert and the advertising agency he runs after he appeared in a Bridgestone Tires commercial, seemingly enjoying a Wii game. In the settlement, Lambert admitted that his appearance could have created confusion to those who associated him with the PlayStation mascot.
Lambert has agreed to not appear in any adverts that feature video games for at least two years, as a result of the settlement. He also has to give notice to Sony if he does appear in any such spots after the ban is lifted, so that his former employer can "assess whether or not Lambert's intended performance violates [Sony's] rights in the Kevin Butler character."
Sony's lawsuit against Lambert and his Wildcat Creek company began in October 2012, shortly after the offending advert was aired in September. Within the same week, Bridgestone Tires defended Lambert and claimed his appearance was not that of Kevin Butler - but later removed him using video editing tools.
So that's that. Kevin Butler is now the VP of Commercial Bans.
Source: Media Post
Companies:
Sony
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