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October 14, 2004
Olsen Twins take a page from Arnold's playbook; threaten t-shirt maker
Posted by Jason Schultz
IPnewsblog notes:
The Olsen twins are threatening legal action against a California design company unless it ceases the production and sale of a popular t-shirt featuring a drawing of Mary-Kate and the words underneath "save mary-kate." The t-shirt is pictured on the link and was produced after Mary-Kate Olsen, 18, entered a facility in June 2004 for treatment of an alleged eating disorder. The letter sent was sent from the Olsen twins' attorneys to the company, contending that the t-shirt violates the Olsens' publicity, privacy, and trademark rights.
Reminds me of Arnold's threats over the Governator Bobblehead doll.
Comments (2)
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1. Branko Collin on October 17, 2004 6:31 PM writes...
Jason, why does this case remind you of the Schwarzenegger one? The similarities seem superficial to me.
Permalink to Comment2. Jason Schultz on October 17, 2004 11:09 PM writes...
Both are commenting on issues of public interest. The bobblehead was about Arnold becoming governor. The t-shirt is about (ostensibly) the issues of anorexia among teen stars like Mary Kate. Surely, no one would think that Mary Kate is endorsing the t-shirt or that some other product is being sold by using her likeness. Use it on a poster to sell a candy bar -- sure, vioaltion of the right of publicity; but use it to comment on Mary Kate and her situation itself -- that's free speech.
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