A simple question about the Bush "fighter pilot" action figure....

Maybe a few inquisitive reporters can answer this question (if there are any inquisitive reporters left in this country). Court decisions in the past have upheld the right of prominent public figures to refuse that their likeness be used for commercial purposes. Likenesses of public figures can be used for satirical or political purposes, but not for strictly commercial use.

Given that, it seems that the latest action figure (doll) of Bush in flight uniform (as purported to be dressed upon landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln) is a purely commercial exercise.

If that's the case, who in the White House approved the use of Bush's likeness for commercial purposes, and were there any royalties paid to Bush?

Just asking....

I suspect money did change hands. Maybe it will show up on Shrub and Pickle's next income tax return, if no one has the gumption to ask the question in the meantime.

... to Jimmy Breslin. We'll see if he's curious, too. *smile*

The legal term is Misappropriation.

Quick google search shows exception to the law in cases where a "newsworthy event". Seems tho, case law has only covered publications, not sure if toy companies apply, or if it's been tested that way. I don't remeber any legal controversy when the Desert Storm trading cards came out in '91, tho.

Starting with some enterprising wingnut at the toy company, seeing profit from hardcore wingnuts with disposable income WHILE ALSO performing an unsolicited campaign service.

Or, it could have started from a ROVE minion, subtly "suggesting" the possibility of the potential profit and the "service" ....