Goodyear Protests Use Of Logo On Political Signs (Tuscaloosa)

[Syrinx]

A man in Tuscaloosa, Ala., has been contacted by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s legal department after using the tiremaker’s logo on billboards celebrating the defeat of Democrats around the country in the Nov. 2 election.

Ronnie Holmes, who is listed on the Alabama secretary of state’s website as the incorporating agent, president and secretary of Tuscaloosa Tire and Service Center – which operates three Goodyear stores in Tuscaloosa and one in Northport – created the signs using the Goodyear logo without permission, according to the tire company.

"Goodyear did not authorize or condone the use of its name or logo in connection with these billboards. We have spoken with the individual who rented the signs, and the responsible party has agreed to remove them,” said a spokesperson for the tiremaker.

The signs contain a caricature of a crying President Barack Obama and bear the message: “Minus 80 Democratic Congressman, Senators & Governors...Now That’s a Goodyear!,” according to a report by the Tuscaloosa News.
At the bottom of each billboard are the words “Paid for by Ronnie Holmes.” Holmes did not return several messages seeking comment.

Goodyear was made aware of the billboards after area residents called to complain about the signs’ message.

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/82259/goodyear_protests_use_of_logo_on_political_signs.aspx