Opening Statements Planned At Michael Jordan Brand Trial
MICHAEL TARM, Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Opening statements are set for a civil trial looking at the market value of Michael Jordan's identity.
Wednesday's openings at Chicago federal court will focus on whether a grocery-store chain diluted the value of the former Chicago Bull's brand by running a steak-coupon ad invoking his name without permission.
The case stems from a lawsuit the six-time NBA champion filed against the now-defunct Dominick's Finer Foods.
During jury selection Tuesday, Dominick's lawyers questioned would-be jurors about whether Jordan's stardom would tilt their findings in his favor.
Judge John Blakey dismissed one who said he idolized Jordan. When a lawyer noted the man wasn't wearing Nike Jordan-brand shoes, Blakey said maybe they should see if he used another Jordan-endorsed product.
Blakey joked, "We should check if he was wearing Hanes (underwear)."
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