According to a report from Law.com, the lawsuit filed by Fucked Up, Xiu Xiu against Rolling Stone magazine has been dismissed. First launched in 2007, the suit claims Rolling Stone and Camel misued the artists’ names for commercial advantage (right of publicity) and takes them to task for unfair business practices. The suit stemmed from an editorial piece – “Indie Rock Universe” – which included colored-pencil-like graphics and the printed names of bands. The article was wrapped in four pages of ads featuring photographic collages that touted Camel cigarettes and the brand’s support of independent record labels.

The suit was dismissed by a unanimous three-justice panel who found no evidence that R.J. Reynolds, Camel’s parent company, influenced Rolling Stone’s editorial content or decisions:

Simply put, there is no legal precedent for converting noncommercial speech into commercial speech merely based on its proximity to the latter. There is also no precedent for converting a noncommercial speaker into a commercial speaker in the absence of any direct interest in the product or service being sold.

Check out the story here.
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John K Samson of The Weakerthans (and himself lately) will headline an upcoming acoustic Haiti Relief Fundraiser on Thursday February 11th. The bill will also include Ruth Moody & Nicky Mehta of The Wailin’ Jennys and Daniel ROA. This show will take place February 11th at the West End Cultural Centre, 586 Ellice Av at Sherbrook. in Winnipeg and the event is being organized by Jord Samolesky of Propagandhi. 100% of funds raised are being donated to Zanmi Lasante/Partners in Health. The organizers explained the choice of beneficiary:

Being the largest NGO in Haiti to provide comprehensive primary health care regardless of ability to pay, the right of free access to health care for the poor majority in Haiti has been a cornerstone of their operation since their inception in 1985. ZL/PiH uses a community based model, training and hiring Haitians to deliver preferential health care to the poor, meaning the money donated from this fundraiser will stay in Haiti.

Tickets are $15 in advance and will be available on Feb 2nd through Ticketmaster, Mondragon, the WECC, and the Winnipeg-Haiti Solidarity Group. More details can be found on the venue site.
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