NBA teams
Associated Press 8y

Michael Jordan, Jewel-Osco reach settlement over use of name

NBA, Charlotte Hornets

CHICAGO -- Spokespeople for Michael Jordan and supermarket chain Jewel-Osco have reached an agreement in a years-long lawsuit that alleged misuse of the basketball star's name in advertising, according to spokespeople for both sides.

The case involved Jewel-Osco's use of Jordan's name in a 2009 Sports Illustrated ad that congratulated the six-time NBA champion on his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The ad included a large Jewel-Osco logo under the text. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In August, a jury awarded Jordan $8.9 million from the now-defunct Dominick's for using his name in a similar ad.

Jewel and Jordan were set to go to trial in December, but a judge said they might be interested in a quick resolution, given the Dominick's judgment. Attorneys disclosed settlement talks in October.

Jordan spokeswoman Estee Portnoy said the deal was reached last week. Portnoy said the former Chicago Bulls star will donate the net sum of the settlement to charity and details will be announced by the end of the year.

"The terms of the agreement are confidential, but we are pleased to have reached a resolution of these matters," said Brian Dowling, a spokesman for Albertsons, the parent company of Jewel-Osco.

Dominick's operated under supermarket chain Safeway, which also later merged with Albertsons. It wasn't immediately clear if the settlement would affect the Dominick's case.

Jordan filed the lawsuits in 2010 in Chicago. He told jurors he has final say on anything that involves his likeness and name, and he will protect that.

The Dominick's trial was held in Chicago, where Jordan won six NBA titles with the Bulls. Some legal observers said the Dominick's ad was more egregious because it included a coupon, which suggested the ad's purpose was at least part commercial. Dominick's had asked that the verdict be overturned.

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