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Devo launches lawsuit against McDonald's

June 25, 2008 11:01 a.m. by Nick Neyland

Corporate behemoths American Idol and McDonald’s looked to an unusual source for inspiration when they created the latest series of Happy Meal Toys. The character of New Wave Nigel bears such a close resemblance to Ohio’s favorite sons Devo that the band is suing McDonald’s. The band did pen a track called “Devo Corporate Anthem” back in ’79, but anyone thinking of appropriating it for their own use should think again.

"This New Wave Nigel doll that they've created is just a complete Devo rip-off and the red hat is exactly the red hat that I designed, and it's copyrighted and trademarked,” says Devo bass player Gerald Casale. “They didn't ask us anything. Plus, we don't like McDonald's, and we don't like American Idol, so we're doubly offended." The toys also play a tune that the band describes as a “Devo-esque song.”

 

Devo is playing at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn this Thursday with support from Tom Tom Club and Dan Deacon. [Brooklyn Vegan]

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6 Responses

June 25, 2008 at 11:56 a.m.

First M&Ms and the "Naked Coyboy". Now this..
June 25, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.

This quote is awesome:
“They didn't ask us anything. Plus, we don't like McDonald's, and we don't like American Idol, so we're doubly offended."
June 26, 2008 at 4:54 p.m.

Bwaa ha ha ha ha!! Some moron in an ad agency somewhere is going to get his ass handed to him in a bucket. Go DEVO!!!
June 26, 2008 at 5:36 p.m.

I hope this is the case that finally kills McDonalds and American Idol. That would be a far better world in which to exist.
July 3, 2008 at 1:37 p.m.

Yo Nickkck,

It's "Gerald Casale" not "Gerald Castle."
July 3, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.

Thanks for the correction Spud. The post has now been corrected.

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