There is no expectant force play in America than The Brand — and those who disrespect it suffer the consequences . This law was of late demonstrated by the owners Grumpy Cat ( née Tardar Sauce ) , the viral internet superstar with a lasting Clint Eastwood - like scowl , who seduce amassive $ 710,001 payoutfrom a copyright infringement cause .
The guy ’s proprietor , Tabatha Bundesen , filed suit against Grenade Beveragein 2015 . Bundesen alleged that Grenade Beverage breached the term of her contract bridge by using the cat ’s alikeness on metric ton - shirts and Roasted Coffee products . According to the lawsuit , the declaration only permitted Grenade Beverage to use the cat ’s likeness on “ Grumppuccino”-branded iced coffee . Grumpy Cat Limited ab initio asked for $ 600,000 for four alleged act of infringement , frankly a pittance compared to the time value of meme stardom .
Grenade countersued Grumpy Cat Limited for $ 12 million , arguing the blade had n’t done enough to promote the java products . But , the copyright idol , apparently big fans of Tardar Sauce’scinematic accomplishment , side with the nonplussed puss . After a calendar week - long trial , a California jury grant Grumpy Cat ’s owners $ 710,000 for misdemeanour and $ 1 for breach of contract .
While reproducing icon is the point of meme , putting them on products to make money is definitive earmark misdemeanour . This is unlikely to shift the cat ’s visage , however , as grim foiling is the essence of her entreaty .
[ Courthouse News / Sky News ]
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