Celebrity licensing deals are like marriages: Some succeed but many end in divorce, recrimination and litigation. Here’s a Scorecard summarizing some high profile cases from recent years.
LICENSEE WINS
Selena Gomez v. Adrenalina (2011-2013)
- Situation: Adrenalina sues Gomez for allegedly not supporting a personally-branded perfume line it spent $2 million to develop.
- Outcome: Gomez countersues for $5 million but quietly pays undisclosed amount to settle.
Gate Five, LLC v. Beyoncé (2010-2013)
- Situation: After Gate Five spends $6.7 million to develop “Superstar Beyoncé” video game, Beyoncé pulls out of licensing deal. Gate Five sues for $100 million saying Beyoncé tried to destroy its business “on a whim.”
- Outcome: Beyoncé settles after judge refuses to dismiss case.
Hanesbrands v. Rashard Mendenhall (2011-2013)
- Situation: NFL player sues Hanes for ending endorsement deal for controversial 9/11 tweets.
- Outcome: Mendenhall sues but drops case after court rules he violated morals clause of his contract.
Raymond Weil SA v. Charlize Theron (2006-2008)
- Situation: After being named Weil’s “international ambassador,” Theron is photographed with Christian Dior watch and displayed on billboard with Mont Blanc. Weil sues for $20 million;
- Outcome: Weil wins and Theron settles before damages set.
CELEBRITY WINS
Octavia Spencer v. Sensa Products (2013-2014)
- Situation: Sensa claims Spencer breached diet product endorsement deal by adding “#Spon”—sponsored—at end of her tweets. Spencer claims “#Spon” suffix is required by FTC.
- Outcome: Spencer loses her fraud claim but wins on breach of contract.
No Doubt v. Activision (2011)
- Situation: No Doubt sues, claiming use of band member images in video game for unflattering actions goes beyond scope of license contract.
- Outcome: Activision settles after judge refuses to dismiss case.
Teri Hatcher v. Hydroderm (2007-2008)
- Situation: Hydroderm accuses actress of using competitive lip gloss in violation of endorsement deal.
- Outcome: Hydroderm loses and has to issue public apology.
STALEMATE/INCONCLUSIVE
Paris Hilton v. Antebi Footwear (2014)
- Situation: Antebi accuses Hilton of licensing competitive brand; Hilton denies and sues for royalties.
- Outcome: Case settled without trial.
Moodform Mission v. Naomi Campbell (2011-2012)
- Situation: Moodform sues for 25% royalties allegedly due on sales of Campbell-branded perfumes; Campbell countersues.
- Outcome: Case settled after Moodform wins round 1 in court.
Revenue Resources Group, LLC v. Kardashians (2011)
- Situation: Kardashians pull out of branded debit card deal after Connecticut attorney general raises legal questions about “Kard’s” legality.
- Outcome: RRG sues sisters and mom for $75 million but drop the suit 6 months later.
Katy Perry v. Jemella Group Ltd. (2011)
- Situation: Jemella doesn’t renew Perry’s hair products deal, citing singer’s declining popularity in Europe.
- Outcome: Perry sues for $2 million for breach of alleged oral agreement but case settles.
Hairtech International, Inc. v. Paris Hilton (2010-2011)
- Situation: Hairtech sues Hilton for $35 million for wearing a competitor’s hair extension products in violation of exclusive endorsement, citing damage to its brand.
- Outcome: Case settles for undisclosed amount.
Tarrant Apparel Group v. Jessica Simpson (2007)
- Situation: Tarrant gets license to develop low-priced JSPrincy jeans and sues Simpson for not supporting brand, refusing to wear JS jeans in public and citing a competitive brand as her favorite jeans.
- Outcome: Case settles for undisclosed amount with Tarrant agreeing to give up license.