Royal de Luxe, who are responsible for the Sultan’s Elephant, which visited London from their base in Nantes in France in 2006 and Liverpool in 2014, have launched a legal battle against Cola-Cola.
They accuse the multi-national of plagiarising it’s “giants”.
Director Jaques Leroy states that he is “not afraid” of taking on such a powerful opponent, stating that it is a “moral issue”.
Director Jaques Leroy states that he is “not afraid” of taking on such a powerful opponent, stating that it is a “moral issue”.
A complaint was filed against Coco-Cola in June for an advertising campaign screened at the end of 2012 in 61 countries, featuring a giant puppet Santa Claus. He is manipulated by “Lilliputian” people and mimics the “watchful eye, wink and same scenery” all trademarks of the Royal de Luxe's iconic puppetry.
It is reported that ahead of releasing the campaign, Cola-Cola communicated with Royal de Luxe in numerous emails offering a partnership deal. This was declined on grounds of “refusing to serve a brand”.
Royal de Luxe accept only private sponsorship which is responsible for 80% of it’s funding. One of these emails even states that Royal de Luxe are in fact “the inspiration for this beautiful idea”. Coca-Cola denies plagiarism and the case continues.
Royal de Luxe accept only private sponsorship which is responsible for 80% of it’s funding. One of these emails even states that Royal de Luxe are in fact “the inspiration for this beautiful idea”. Coca-Cola denies plagiarism and the case continues.
This is gravely concerning for independent arts, on behalf of the power, scale and the dangerous lack of integrity Coca-Cola demonstrates.
Photo credit: Royal de Luxe
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