Legendary American aviator Chuck Yeager is suing Airbus for allegedly using his name without his consent.
The man who broke the sound barrier is upset by a reference in 2017 in which now Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury referred to him in a press release by stating what essentially is an historical fact.
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“Seventy years ago [American test pilot] Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier, “ Faury, then the CE0 of Airbus Helicopters, was quoted as saying at a press conference to promote the Airbus Racer helicopter concept. "Now, he said, 'We’re trying to break the cost barrier. It cannot be speed at any cost'. "
Yeager became the first human to officially break the sound barrier on October 14, 1947, flying the experimental Bell X-1.
His lawyers have sought relief on five counts, including trademark infringement, and demanded a jury trial.
The complaint, filed in a US District Court in California on September 18, claims the veteran aviator visited Airbus in 2008 and told the European manufacturer no video was permitted to be used for sales or advertising unless there was a deal setting the terms of usage.
No deal was entered into but the court filing claims Airbus used a video of the visit “in connection with sales marketing, promotion and other such uses”.
“Airbus Helicopter (sic) also wanted to use General Yeager’s name in press releases. General Yeager informed Airbus Helicopter that it would cost over one million dollars ($1,000,000) to do so and General Yeager would have veto power over any specific usage (i.e. style, reference, etc),’’ it says.
The complaint alleges Airbus actively took steps to distribute and disseminate the infringing material and made it available to others for republication and distribution.
“General Yeager is one the most, if not the most, famous pilots of all time. He is known around the world as the pilot who conquered the speed of sound,’’ the complaint says.
“Indeed, he has flown at twice the speed of sound.
“As a result of his recognizable and well-known identity, General Yeager has been retained to provide commercial endorsements for selected companies, and they have paid substantial compensation for his services.
“Thus, using his name, particularly in connection with any form of aircraft, is incredibly valuable.
“This case is about the knowing and intentional theft by defendants of that highly valuable commodity.”
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