Two daughters of the late Hollywood actor and philanthropist Paul Newman have secured a temporary injunction in Connecticut state court. The court’s decision bars the licensing of Newman’s image and likeness for a hairbrush brand called Wet Brush, restricting the use of his publicity and intellectual property rights exclusively to food-related products.
保囉，紐曼之女向康乃狄克州法院聲請暫時禁制令（相當於我國保全程序之假處分或定暫時狀態處分）並獲裁定准許。該裁定係對一家稱為Wet Brush髮梳公司禁止授權該影星之圖像及樣貌於食品關關之產品，同時亦限制該影星之知名度與智慧財產權排他地用於食品有關之產品。
Wet Brush Unveils NEW Special Edition Hairbrush Inspired by Paul Newman in Partnership with Newman’s Own
Wet Brush is the very first brand selected to participate in “Newman’s Deal,” launching a Special Edition Wet Brush x Newman’s Own Pro Detangler in Deep Blue with 100% of the profits donated to helping kids facing adversity.
Inspired by Paul Newman’s iconic blue eyes and encased in stunning collectible packaging, this Wet Brush makes the perfect holiday gift for beauty enthusiasts, film buffs, Paul Newman fans and anyone who likes to give gifts that give back. The deep cobalt Wet Brush Pro Detangler is an award-winning brush renowned for its ultra-soft Intelliflex bristles that glide through tangles on all hair types easily, minimizing pain, effort and breakage.
“More than forty years ago, when Paul Newman established Newman’s Own, he declared that the company would give away 100% of its profits,” says Nicole Malcolm-Manyara, CMO of Newman’s Own. “Today, Newman’s decision to 'give it all away' is still leading the way in the world of philanthropy and we’re excited to announce our first ‘Newman’s Deal’ partnership with another brand, launching a special edition hairbrush with Wet Brush that gives away 100% of the profits to help kids.”
100% of the profits from the sale of the Special Edition Wet Brush x Newman’s Own Pro Detangler will be donated to Newman’s Own Foundation, which will grant the funds to organizations such as SeriousFun Children’s Network in service of the foundation’s mission to help kids facing adversity. SeriousFun Children’s Network is a global community of 30 camps and programs delivering life-changing experiences to children with serious illnesses, and their families, free of charge.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Newman’s Own on this special edition brush that feels as good to use as it does to give. I have witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact that Newman’s Own Foundation and SeriousFun Children’s Network have on children and their families, and Wet Brush is proud to support this important initiative,” shares Melissa Ayers, VP Brand Strategy & Growth for Wet Brush.
The Paul Newman’s daughters secure injunction against Wet Brush and use of Newman’s Right of Publicity on non-food products It appears the product was licensed by Newman’s Own Foundation, so the dispute may be more involved than a traditional unauthorized use. Here is a link to the product announcement: Wet Brush inspired by Paul Newman
It also appears that a Connecticut action was filed by Newman’s daughters against the Foundation, in relation to operational decisions or criteria that may have been in place to govern or limit the kinds of products Paul Newman intended to allow. Here is a link with more information to the 2022 action: Paul Newman’s daughters file action against Newman’s Own Foundation
It is not clear the degree to which the latest news and the prior action are connected. Paul Newman was an advocate for Right of Publicity recognition and testified in support of a Connecticut legislative effort to enact a Connecticut Right of Publicity law, and expressed concerns about technology allowing digital creations without the involvement of the person in question.
