'American Idol' Winner Suing Jersey Maker
Studdard Says Company Used Image Without Permission
POSTED: 9:20 a.m. EDT August 1, 2003
UPDATED: 9:34 a.m. EDT August 1, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The 205 jerseys were Ruben Studdard's signature look, but now the American Idol is at odds with the owners of 205 Flava.
Studdard is suing the Birmingham company that makes the popular 205 jerseys for $2 million because he says they unfairly profited from his image.
"We believe that 205 Flava substantially benefited from its relationship with Ruben Studdard," said Byron Perkins, Studdard's attorney. "205 Flava has continued to use Ruben's image to market their goods, but they didn't have permission to use his image. They failed to compensate him for using his image."
Studdard, a Birmingham native, wore a 205 jersey nearly each time he performed on national television on the show "American Idol." Studdard went on to win the competition.
The lawsuit alleges the shirts were Studdard's idea and were made to show his affection for the city of Birmingham.
"Ruben decided to file the suit in Jefferson County. Whether he's right or whether he's wrong, he wanted the people of Birmingham to make the decision," Perkins said.
WVTM-TV attempted to speak with the owners of 205 Flava but they had no comment.
Studdard is suing the Birmingham company that makes the popular 205 jerseys for $2 million because he says they unfairly profited from his image.
"We believe that 205 Flava substantially benefited from its relationship with Ruben Studdard," said Byron Perkins, Studdard's attorney. "205 Flava has continued to use Ruben's image to market their goods, but they didn't have permission to use his image. They failed to compensate him for using his image."
Studdard, a Birmingham native, wore a 205 jersey nearly each time he performed on national television on the show "American Idol." Studdard went on to win the competition.
The lawsuit alleges the shirts were Studdard's idea and were made to show his affection for the city of Birmingham.
"Ruben decided to file the suit in Jefferson County. Whether he's right or whether he's wrong, he wanted the people of Birmingham to make the decision," Perkins said.
WVTM-TV attempted to speak with the owners of 205 Flava but they had no comment. Copyright 2003 by clickorlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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