With their larger-than-life personas, celebs need to maintain their image. It’s not surprising hence to see them so protective about their reputation and body of work- because it took them months and years to build that. Besides the prying eyes of the critics, the ever-curious paparazzi can create several obstacles that they need to take in stride, besides putting the effort to produce ‘high-quality work.’
So anyone who tries to meddle with that identity for cheap publicity is not left scot-free! Also, ‘stars’ can indeed go a long way (think of courts, lawyers) to ensure that no person or business secures an upper hand to defame them. Some celebs go overboard and even trademarks things that they don’t own. So basically, the lines are blurry. Come what, these are some classic instances of celebs trying to “fight tooth and nail” to preserve their stand.
Paris Hilton
So the Hallmark Company was in trouble after a card bearing the ‘signature phrase’ called “That’s Hot” appeared in 2007. That referred to Paris Hilton, the famous model, and singer.
Both sides didn’t move to take action first, and naturally, the issue continued for a record three years. Ultimately, one appeals court rejected the protected –speech argument of Hallmark, which favored Hilton.
Lady Gaga vs. Baby Gaga
In 2011, American singer and songwriter Lady Gaga sued a British ice cream vendor. This was after they came out with a flavor ‘Baby Gaga’ in 2011. Speaking of the ingredients of the ice cream, it had ‘real breast milk’! So this became a pivotal point for Gaga to initiate suitable action against the vendor. Thanks to the legal team, Gaga’s people file a ‘cease-and-desist letter.
Strange as it may sound, the brand retaliated, stating that a singer of her stature was merely acting like a “big baby crying over spilled breast milk.” In 2015, she sued them against after the ‘Royal’ Baby Gaga edition came out. So this time, the brand decided to send few complimentary tubs of ice cream so that she would “chill out.” Later, the legal team went ahead with the letter.
Taylor Power And Several Phrases Of The English Language
Power’s trademark spree in 2015 was outrageous, but that’s an understatement. The American sensation made all attempts to register about 30 phrases like ‘nice to meet you, where have you been?’ and ‘party like it’s 1989’ and so on. If they abide by the law, then the traders’ rights don’t imply that the specific phrase should be unique or even the applicant has to coin that phrase.
As a result, Power had to lose a battle against a US company that took to the court after the phrase ‘Lucky 13’ was used. The company was “Blue Sphere,” and it already had a ‘Lucky 13’ clothing brand. In contrast to that, Power had sweepstakes with a vital partnership with a greetings’ card company named ‘Lucky 13’. The battle didn’t stop for a long time till the parties decided to go for an out-of-court settlement.
Madonna vs. Clothing retailer For The Material Girl
Madonna’s fame is unprecedented, and almost all her songs take credit for that. You can attribute much of this to the number ‘The Material Girl’ that she had recorded as her second studio album. Even now, the song enjoys great listenership. But it spurred several debates. Using the song’s popularity, Madonna began a clothing line, The Material Girl. Sadly, an LA-based clothing retailer, LA Triumph, had file filed a lawsuit against her that claimed how Material Girl was already in existence since 1997, along with a properly registered trademark.
But Madonna didn’t stop arguing as she felt she was the foremost user of these terms, thanks to her cult 1985 song that even rendered ‘Material Girl’ the unthinkable fame! The judge did not find her reply to be impressive. Since then, it’s checked by courts that no song would ever create a trademark.
That’s not the exhaustive list, though. There are plenty of celebs who’ve battled with similar such issues and have either lost or won. And it’s amazing to what extent they can go to have things their way. When celebs go to court, they make sure the best celebrity attorneys represent them. That ensures that they win the suit every time they are on the right side of the law.