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Naked Cowboy Sues Over Singing M&M

By Miss Cellania in Everything Else on Feb 14, 2008 at 10:34 am


150nakedcowboyandmeThe Naked Cowboy has filed a $6 million lawsuit against Mars. Times Square busker Robert Burk says the candy maker stole his image for a massive video billboard featuring an M&M wearing a cowboy hat, boots, and briefs.

“All I’ve got is my underwear. It’s the most brilliant thing that’s ever been created from a marketing perspective. You can’t stop it,” said Burck, 37, who said he filed suit on the advice of lawyers and trademark experts.

The M&M appears for a few seconds in a five-minute looping advertisement that also features other New York icons. The case will be heard in Manhattan federal court. Burck began his career as a street performer in 1998, and has appeared on numerous TV shows and music videos. Link -via YesButNoButYes


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COMMENT
  1. Josh
    Feb 14th, 2008 at 10:54 am

    At first when I first heard about it I could not believe it and though the guy was stupid for doing such a thing. After seeing the billboard I have to say it does look like a complete ripoff of him.

  2. Edward
    Feb 14th, 2008 at 11:00 am

    First M&Ms promotes him and now he sues them to get even more publicity. Pure genius. Both the Naked Cowboy and M&Ms get free ink.

  3. alison
    Feb 14th, 2008 at 11:05 am

    I wouldn't consider it a ripoff so much as a tribute. I mean, he's up there with King Kong and the Statue of Liberty. But hey, anything for a buck.

  4. matt
    Feb 14th, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    naked cowboy... wears briefs?... what?!?... (head explodes)

  5. NAKED COWBOY COMIC BOOK WRITER
    Feb 14th, 2008 at 5:13 pm

    HI all,

    I am the official writer for NAKED COWBOY: KING OF TIMES SQUARE. This is his own comic book. When I decided to do a comic about him, I made sure that I was able to do it, I called him up and we agreed upon a deal. M&Ms did nothing of the sort. So, he does have a case. For all who is wandering you can get his first comic here, http://www.indyplanet.com, We have the Rock Band HELIX in the next issue coming soon. Go to http://www.myspace.com/dravencomics to get the update on myspace. Thanks and take care.

    Jarrod-
    Naked Cowboy: comic book writer-

  6. Lea
    Feb 14th, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    My neighbor is The Naked Cowboy's dad.
    It's kinda awkward...

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