McDonalds have released a new series of ‘Happy Meal’ in the USA showing different eras and styles of music in association with that horrible TV show ‘American Idol’.  The thing is, one of them has landed them in some very hot water. The offending culprit, ‘New Wave Nigel’, is the second one in from the right and easily recognisable by his Devo style hat, and therein lies the problem.

Devo are very protective of their image and have actually copyrighted and trademarked their signature red hats, which were designed by the bands bassist, Gerald Casale.  Maccy D’s did not seek permission to use the likeness of the hats in their toys, and so Devo are suing them.

Gerald had this to say:-

“”This ‘New Wave Nigel’ doll that they’ve created is just a complete Devo rip-off and the red hat is exactly the red hat that I designed, and it’s copyrighted and trademarked.

“We’re in the midst of suing them…they didn’t ask us anything. Plus, we don’t like McDonald’s, and we don’t like ‘American Idol’, so we’re doubly offended.”

No details of the case are available, as all parties involved in the case are currently subject to a gag order.

(via)

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