Dr Pepper's Fizzy Response To 'Chinese Democracy' Shakeup
Wed Dec 03, 2008 @ 04:28PM PSTBy Eriq Gardner
Surely, the Dr Pepper Snapple Group can come up with a better response than this to charges it didn't make good on an advertising campaign to give away free sodas if Guns N Roses released its long-delayed "Chinese Democracy" album:
“We are disappointed that GNR’s lawyers are turning a fun giveaway into a legal dispute. We simply commented on the delayed release of Chinese Democracy and openly encouraged the band to release it before the end of the year. Axl even expressed support for our efforts earlier in the year.”
The company actually is fairly lucky that frontman Axl Rose showed a sense of humor and only wants the company to make good on its promise. There are many musicians who would unleash their lawyers at the first hint of trademark misappropriation and the impression of a product endorsement.Take 50 Cent's battle with Taco Bell for instance.