Coca-Cola Sued For 'Pirating Johnny Cash's Voice'
Coca-Cola has been sued by Johnny Cash's estate for allegedly hiring a tribute singer to imitate the country music legend's voice in a commercial. The ad began airing in August, and the complaint was filed Tuesday (Nov. 25) in Nashville, accusing the soda brand of 'pirating Johnny Cash’s voice in a nationwide advertising campaign to enrich itself — without asking for permission or providing any compensation.'
The lawsuit claims that Coca-Cola hired a singer to mimic Cash's voice in a commercial, without obtaining the necessary permissions or paying royalties. The estate is seeking damages and an injunction to stop the commercial from airing.
The lawsuit is the latest development in a long-standing dispute between the Cash estate and Coca-Cola. In 2014, the estate sued the company over a commercial that used a Cash song without permission.
The case is a reminder of the importance of obtaining the necessary permissions and paying royalties when using someone's voice or likeness in a commercial. It also highlights the challenges of enforcing intellectual property rights in the digital age.
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division. The case is being closely watched by the music industry, as it could have implications for the use of celebrity voices and likenesses in advertising.