Sony Sues Former Mascot Kevin Butler
Sony Computer Entertainment America has filed a lawsuit against character actor Jerry Lambert, better known as company “mascot” Kevin Butler. According to Computer and Video Games, the masterminds behind the Playstation 3 console are none too pleased that Lambert appeared in a Bridestone Tires commercial which features the actor playing — and enjoying — a Nintendo Wii. Sony feels this is a serious problem.
In response to the Bridgestone advert, Sony is suing the tire giant and Jerry Lambert’s company, Wildcat Creek, for what they see as a breach of contract. What’s more, Sony believes Lambert’s appearance might cause market confusion, as most people tend to associate the actor with his Kevin Butler character.
In a statement to VentureBeat, a Sony spokesperson explained the situation:
“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.”
Bridestone Tires was quick to point out that it’s not Kevin Butler that appears in their ad but actor Jerry Lambert. Since the advertisement in question arrived after Butler’s contract with Sony came to a close, the company doesn’t understand the problem.
“Mr. Lambert is one of the actors who appeared in the commercial as a Bridgestone engineer. Bridgestone denies that Kevin Butler appears in the Bridgestone commercial discussed herein and thus denies that he speaks or does anything whatsoever in the commercial,” the company said in a statement.
Presently, it’s hard to see Jerry Lambert in the commercial, as he’s been digitally removed from the current version of the spot in question. Do you think it’s confusing to see the guy who played Sony mascot Kevin Butler in another commercial?
