Michael Jordan’s $8.9M win over Safeway could be bad for Jewel-Osco
Michael Jordan’s $8.9M win over Safeway could be bad for Jewel-Osco
Safeway has been ordered to pay Michael Jordan $8.9 million for the unapproved and unlicensed use of his name in a Dominick's ad that ran in a 2009 commemorative issue of Sports Illustrated honoring the athlete. Jewel-Osco and Jordan are expected to meet in court this December over one of its ads in the same issue, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Michael Jordan will receive $8.9 million for Dominick’s unauthorized use of his name in this 2009 ad.
Dominick’s reportedly claimed Jordan should only receive $126,900 for the unauthorized use of his name; however, Jordan’s estimate — $10 million — was much closer to the jury’s decision.
In a statement Jordan said he was pleased with the verdict. "No one — whether or not they’re a public figure — should have to worry about their identity being used without their permission.”
According to Jordan, the $8.9 million will be given to charity.
"This case was not about money, as I plan to donate the proceeds to charity,” Jordan said in the statement. "It was about honesty and integrity. I hope this case sends a clear message, both here in the United States and around the world, that I will continue to be vigilant about protecting my name and identity. I also hope the size of the monetary award will deter others from using someone else’s identity and believing they will only pay a small penalty."