Denzel Washington’s new movie “Flight” hit theaters this last weekend and raked in $25 million for the opening weekend. Denzel’s character is a pilot struggling with alcoholism and now Budweiser and Stoli Vodka don’t want their products endorsed by an alcoholic, even if it is Denzel.
Budweiser and William Grant & Sons (makers of Stoli) have asked Paramount Pictures as well as the film’s producer and director to remove the labels of their products in all future distributions of the film.
Vice president of Budweiser released the follow statement this weekend:
“We would never condone the misuse of our products, and have a long history of promoting responsible drinking and preventing drunk driving.”
William Grant & Sons seems to be on the same page as well. Both companies are claiming they were never asked permission for their product to be used in the film.
Problem is, there is no legal action that can be taken. Most think the laws with trademarks would protect the brands but since it is a commonly used product the film has the right to use the brand without permission.
We will see where this goes…but it doesn’t seem that the companies have much action to take legally.
In the mean time, grab a Bud and check out the movie!
Follow the author on Twitter: @JennLazear
Source:
http://www.divawhispers.com/?p=35821