Sony sues 'Executive Vice President Kevin Butler'

Category: News Wire Published on Monday, 08 October 2012 18:05 Written by scaR Hits: 223

In a comedic turn of events, Sony have filed suit against actor Jerry Lambert who plays Sony executive, Kevin Butler. Lambert reprised a similar role for Bridgestone tyres starting in February 2012. Initially there was no problem with the similarities in the character, however that all changed when Bridgestone launched their Game On promotion. This presented their customers with a chance to earn a $70 gift card or alternately a Nintendo Wii.

In the commercial Lambert appeared in a white lab coat playing Mario Kart Wii with the console clearly visible. Bridgestone immediately removed the offending commercial upon notice of legal proceedings from Sony. Today Sony released this statement on the matter.

"Sony Computer Entertainment America filed a lawsuit against Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek, Inc. on September 11. The claims are based on violations of the Lanham Act, misappropriation, breach of contract and tortious interference with a contractual relationship. We invested significant resources in bringing the Kevin Butler character to life and he’s become an iconic personality directly associated with PlayStation products over the years. Use of the Kevin Butler character to sell products other than those from PlayStation misappropriates Sony’s intellectual property, creates confusion in the market, and causes damage to Sony". -- Dan Race, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Sony

The future of the Kevin Bulter seems grim.

source : http://venturebeat.com/2012/10/06/sony-sues-kevin-butler/