This! Is! Not Endorsed!
I wrote earlier about how watch brand Tutima got in trouble for suggesting that Al Pacino endorsed the watch brand after Al Pacino ad producers took money to endorse (i.e., product place) the watch brand in the film embarrassment Righteous Kill.
But if you are a small enough operator (i.e., not worth suing), it appears this approach is worthwhile. Recently I’ve noticed Facebook ads touting “The 300 Workout” which, supposedly, shows flabbies how to “get ripped like the actors from the movie 300!” The key of course is the ad’s use of an image from 300.
Is this use of 300 legit? Almost impossible, given that it links to sub-QVC page jimsworkoutjournal.com, a site with production values on par with mine: “What’s up guys my name is Jim, I’m in my third year as a biology major in undergrad and I love being in shape. Hopefully you guys can just do exactly what I do (because it really is easy) and have the same success. Enjoy”
Is it effective? I bet it is. Is it just a simple blog by a bio major guy named Jim? Of course not; it’s a front for some supplement called “AcaiBurn” (For men!).
Does Facebook care about enforcing the trademark rights of films? Probably not until anyone complains.