When a network took his name in vain, Lee tried to cut it off the air. Did the Court do the right thing?
Tags:Spike Lee vs. SpikeTV Lawsuit,celebrity identity,clientelevision,injunction,lawsuit,post bond,right of publicity,spike lee,spike tv,viacom
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Transcript
It's active, smart and contemporary with a personality that's aggressive and irreverent. It's TV made for men. Spike Lee tried a hot production claiming that Spike TV stole his persona. So he showed his aggressive and irreverent side by suing Viacom to block the use of his name. The Network's president confessed that Lee's style inspired him to choose the name, but he also claimed inspiration from other role models like Spike the macho vampire in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' Would the court drive a Spike through Spike TV? To Viacom's surprise, the court stalled its premiere forcing Spike TV to stay tuned for a later trial. The network complained that this delay would cost it millions. So the judge ordered Lee to post a multi-million dollar bond, covering these losses just in case Lee lost the trial. Rather than deposit $2.5 million, Lee cut his own losses and settled the case. For the Legal Television Network, I am Irwin Kramer.
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