Remember that nude Carla Bruni-Sarkozy picture that was auctioned at Christie’s for $91,000 back in April 2008? Well, Carla was not happy about it then, but she is particularly unhappy with a store using that same image on shopping bags that everyone will be carrying around in the streets. Who could blame her, now that she’s the First Lady of France?
Carla is suing clothing maker Pardon for using that naked image, which dates to 1993, on 10,000 shopping bags without her blessings. The bag comes with a talk bubble that reads, "My guy should have bought Pardon!"
"Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has exclusive and absolute rights over her image," explained Thierry Herzog, Carla’s lawyer. He added that the photo was used "without her consent and to promotional and commercial ends."
So what are they planning to do? Herzog stated, "We are going to ask for 125,000 euros in damages for the sale of this article which constitutes a moral and matrimonial attack."
Naughty Shopping Bags
French First Lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Bare on Pardon Totes
Trend Themes
1. Celebrity Image Rights - The case of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy highlights the importance of protecting and respecting the image rights of celebrities.
2. Controversial Marketing Strategies - The use of provocative images on shopping bags raises questions about the line between effective marketing and potential backlash.
3. Legal Battles Over Intellectual Property - The lawsuit filed by Carla Bruni-Sarkozy brings attention to the ongoing disputes and legal complexities surrounding intellectual property rights.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Clothing makers and retailers should be cautious about using controversial images and designs that may lead to legal consequences.
2. Advertising and Marketing - The incident with Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's image on shopping bags highlights the need for marketers to carefully consider the potential consequences of their advertising strategies.
3. Intellectual Property Law - The legal battle over the unauthorized use of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's image demonstrates the significance of intellectual property laws in protecting individuals' rights.