News »
Gigwise RSS Feeds Bookmark and Share

Devo File Lawsuit Against McDonalds Over American Idol Happy Meal Figure

They claim it breaches copyright...

June 26, 2008 by Jason Gregory
Devo File Lawsuit Against McDonalds Over American Idol Happy Meal Figure
Share

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.
(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


 characters left [+]  


Register now and have your comments approved automatically!

  • My @Loscampesinos feature for @Gigwise http://www.gigwise.com/features/54563/Chairmen%20Of%20The%20Bored:%20Los%20Campesinos!
    David_Renshaw on Tue Feb 09 15:50:52 via web
  • British Sea Power, Hot Club de Paris, Johnny Foreigner For Hinterland 2010: First acts are confirmed... http://bit.ly/dsjNY8 (via @Gigwise)
    vsjameskirkup on Tue Feb 09 14:49:24 via Tweetie
  • Blinding - literally :) RT @Gigwise The Big Pink Announce May 2010 UK Tour: Their biggest yet... http://tinyurl.com/yeyk597
    ellyoracle on Tue Feb 09 12:33:08 via web
  • Big fuggin WOOOOOPPP!! @Gigwise Phoenix To Headline Field Day Festival 2010: Organisers announce line up... http://bit.ly/9rMsGI
    KaiGalles on Tue Feb 09 12:31:56 via web
  • Phoenix To Headline Field Day Festival 2010: Organisers announce line up... http://bit.ly/9rMsGI (via @Gigwise)
    vsjameskirkup on Tue Feb 09 12:03:31 via Tweetie
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