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Article: CELEBRITY MISREPRESENTATION & THE FEDERAL LANHAM ACT: THE PUBLIC FIGHTS BACK
- Article from:
- St. John's Law Review
- Article date:
- January 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright St. John's Law Review Association Winter 2004. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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INTRODUCTION
America is a nation built upon notions of autonomy and inimitability, so it is only natural that the country should be free from the establishment of a national religion.1 Despite the great diversity of the United States, there is a form of idolatry shared by many of its citizens: the worship of celebrities.2 Celebrities are viewed as role models. We trust their opinions, and we even want to be them. These are essential qualities in the advertising of commercial products,3 so the celebrity is granted massive potential for financial gain by choosing to associate his or her persona with various products. In fact, celebrity endorsements4 are such a "precious commodity"5 that they ...