The Nikki Sixx Vans lawsuit was actually a two-pronged attack against both Vans and Thrasher magazine back in 2012. Here’s the breakdown:
The Accusation: Nikki Sixx, bassist for Mötley Crüe, accused Vans and Thrasher of using his image and likeness without his permission in an advertisement for Vans shoes. The ad featured a silhouette of a person resembling Sixx alongside other iconic skateboarders and musicians.
The Lawsuit: Sixx filed a lawsuit against both companies, claiming violation of his right of publicity and seeking damages.
The Outcome: After some legal wrangling, Sixx ultimately won the lawsuit in 2013. Vans and Thrasher reached a settlement with Sixx, agreeing to pay him an undisclosed amount of money and acknowledging that they used his image without authorization.
Additional context:
- This lawsuit served as a precedent for other celebrities and musicians to protect their image and likeness rights.
- Sixx is known for his advocacy for musicians’ rights and has been involved in other legal battles related to intellectual property issues.
- Vans and Thrasher didn’t face any major legal repercussions beyond the settlement with Sixx.