Yao Ming Follows Through With Coca-Cola Lawsuit
Chinese basketball Yao Ming is suing Coca-Cola for 1 yuan (about 12 cents) for “spiritual and economic losses” and asking that Coca-China apologize in the Chinese media.
The suit comes after Yao (who has an international endorsement deal with Pepsi) accused Coca-Cola of using his image without permission on packaging and marketing materials in China (Xtra, May 19).
Coca-Cola, Atlanta, GA, contends that they can use the image of any member of the Chinese national team through an agreement with the Chinese Sports Management Co., which runs the team.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola next week relaunches its Summer Decibel Central promotion. Consumers earn “decibels” found under the cap of Coke products that qualify them for a sweepstakes giving away trip packages, electronics, video games and music and movie certificates. The sweeps is hosted at www.cokemusic.com.
