Headlines

Jeweler Thinks Better of Suing Julia Roberts for Using His Slogan in Upcoming Movie

Published

8 years ago

April 27, 2016

INSTORE Staff

It seems the producers pulled it out of his commercial.

When Don Hoffman, the owner of Airport Plaza Jewelers, discovered that his copyrighted slogan was being used in an upcoming movie called “Mother’s Day” starring Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, he wondered if he had any legal recourse, as Buffalo Business First explains. The article describes a 30-second TV ad promoting the movie, “where Roberts plays a pitch person for a jewelry home shopping network, shows her holding a mannequin’s arm loaded with jewelry while saying ‘it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.’” – a phrase that’s very similar to one used in a television ad campaign that Hoffman created in 2003.

Hoffman, the article says, asked a local intellectual property attorney if there was any legal action he could take, and the attorney determined that he didn’t have enough cause to file a lawsuit. “I’ve been successful as a jeweler, but I didn’t think I’d have enough resources to take on Hollywood producers and some if its biggest stars,” he said. “Somehow I don’t think Julia Roberts would be losing sleep.” He could, however, collect licensing fees from other jewelers who used the phrase in their advertising, the attorney says.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”