brainsmile
05-27-2003, 08:04 AM
Yao Ming sues Coke for 12 cents
Chinese basketball star sues Coca-Cola for use of image, looks for recall of items, apology, 1 yuan.
May 27, 2003: 9:58 AM EDT
http://money.cnn.com/2003/05/27/news/companies/yao_coke.reut/cap_yao_ming.03.jpg
NEW YORK (CNN) - Chinese basketball player Yao Ming is suing Coca-Cola for about 12 cents, accusing the world's largest soft-drink firm of using his image improperly, CNN confirmed Tuesday.
Yao, who plays center for the Houston Rockets and is a spokesman for PepsiCo Inc. (PEP: down $0.09 to $43.47, Research, Estimates), demanded the immediate recall of all Coca-Cola products and promotional materials bearing his image and name, the China Business Weekly reported.
He also "demanded an open apology on nationwide media," as well as symbolic compensation of one yuan, or about 12 U.S. cents, according to the newspaper.
But Coca-Cola said that it used Yao Ming's image legally, citing a clause in the company's contract with the China Sports Management Company, the Chinese National Basketball team's license management group.
Houston Rockets forward Yao Ming isn't happy with Coca-Cola's use of his image.
The clause allows Coca-Cola (KO: down $0.23 to $43.96, Research, Estimates) to use the likeness of any member of the Chinese National Basketball Team as long as three or more players appear together wearing the national team's uniform, the company said.
Coca-Cola has asked for a meeting with Yao or his representatives, but has not received a reply to its request. The company could not go into the details of the suit, saying that while it has been contacted about the filing, it has not yet seen the complaint.
CNN is still seeking comment from Yao Ming or his agent, Eric Zhang.
Chinese basketball star sues Coca-Cola for use of image, looks for recall of items, apology, 1 yuan.
May 27, 2003: 9:58 AM EDT
http://money.cnn.com/2003/05/27/news/companies/yao_coke.reut/cap_yao_ming.03.jpg
NEW YORK (CNN) - Chinese basketball player Yao Ming is suing Coca-Cola for about 12 cents, accusing the world's largest soft-drink firm of using his image improperly, CNN confirmed Tuesday.
Yao, who plays center for the Houston Rockets and is a spokesman for PepsiCo Inc. (PEP: down $0.09 to $43.47, Research, Estimates), demanded the immediate recall of all Coca-Cola products and promotional materials bearing his image and name, the China Business Weekly reported.
He also "demanded an open apology on nationwide media," as well as symbolic compensation of one yuan, or about 12 U.S. cents, according to the newspaper.
But Coca-Cola said that it used Yao Ming's image legally, citing a clause in the company's contract with the China Sports Management Company, the Chinese National Basketball team's license management group.
Houston Rockets forward Yao Ming isn't happy with Coca-Cola's use of his image.
The clause allows Coca-Cola (KO: down $0.23 to $43.96, Research, Estimates) to use the likeness of any member of the Chinese National Basketball Team as long as three or more players appear together wearing the national team's uniform, the company said.
Coca-Cola has asked for a meeting with Yao or his representatives, but has not received a reply to its request. The company could not go into the details of the suit, saying that while it has been contacted about the filing, it has not yet seen the complaint.
CNN is still seeking comment from Yao Ming or his agent, Eric Zhang.