Don’t mess with Michael Jordan’s brand or it will cost you. The Hall of Fame basketball won an $8.9M judgement against a grocery story chain that used his name without his permission back in 2009.
Reports TMZ:
The now-defunct chain Dominick’s (owned by Safeway) was ordered to pay up BIG TIME after MJ argued that it ran an ad in Sports Illustrated advertising steaks with his iconic jersey number and an image that was VERY similar to his Jumpman logo.
An attorney for Dominick’s said the chain shouldn’t have to pony up more than $126k … even though MJ had testified that he doesn’t do any media deals worth less than $10 million.
In the end, the Chicago jury sided with #23 … awarding him $8.9 million.
No worries if you think Air Jordan is being greedy. He plans to donate the money to charity.
“It was about honesty and integrity,” said Jordan via a statement. “I hope this case sends a clear message, both here in the United States and around the world, that I will continue to be vigilant about protecting my name and identity.”
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Photo: YouTube
