Hot right now:

    Devo File Lawsuit Against McDonalds Over American Idol Happy Meal Figure

    They claim it breaches copyright...

    June 26, 2008 by Jason Gregory

    Devo are suing the fast-food giant McDonalds over a Happy Meal figure that they claim breaches copyright.

    The band, whose were pioneers of wave music, believe the company's recent New Wave Nigel figure sports a flower pot hat which is reminiscent of their look in the 1970s.

    In a message on their website, the band also claimed that New Wave Nigel emitted a “Devo-esque song”.

    Devo's classic flower pot hat, which was known as the Energy Dome, was designed by bassist Gerald Casale.

    According to the Australian Associated Press, Casale is quoted as saying that McDonald's didn't approach the band before the figure launched in April.

    "Plus, we don't like McDonald's, and we don't like American Idol, so we're doubly offended,” Casale added.

    New Wave Nigel was part of a line of action figures, which also included Disco Dave, Country Clay, Rockin' Riley and Soulful Selma, that were used to promote American Idol.

    What do you think? Have the band got a case? Leave your thoughts below.

    Become a Gigwise member and your comments will appear automatically.

    You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Gigwise by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.


    (5)
    • How can I say if they have a case without seeing the offending bloody figure?

      ~ by Gav 6/27/2008 Report

      Reply to this comment

    • http://modculture.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/06/27/devo_toy.jpg

      ~ by Hav 6/27/2008 Report

      Reply to this comment

    • Better not wear a turtle-neck sweater, or they’ll sue you too. I think their stupid hat looks like the Japanese latern I **** in half and wore as a hat in the 60s. Do they think I have a case? Jerks.

      ~ by ge 6/28/2008 Report

      Reply to this comment

    • I think they have a case, was their idea in the first place. Screw McD’s and AI. Just another example of big corporations thinking copyright and trademark laws only apply when someone steals something from them. You’’d have to be a jerk to side with McD or AI. How are the band members jerks...jerk.

      ~ by foad 6/30/2008 Report

      Reply to this comment

    • Plus, we don’t like McDonald’’s, and we don’’t like American Idol, so we’’re doubly offended,” Casale added. That’’s absolutely hilarious! Go devo!

      ~ by whipitgood 7/1/2008 Report

      Reply to this comment


    Artist A-Z   # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z