ipod
10/25/2005, 2:00pm, EDT
Tuesday, October 25th
Apple/Lugz ad dispute: Theft or Coincidence
A new article in the New York Times recaps the latest developments in the dispute over the uniqueness of Apple's iPod/Eminem "Silhouette" ad. Apple and its advertising agency have been accused of copying a similar commercial for Lugz footwear commercial. In a statement late yesterday, its first since the debate began a week ago, TBWA/Chiat/Day said any resemblance between the commercials was "disappointing and surprising" as well as "regrettable." Larry Schwartz, executive vice president and principal at Lugz in New York, said in an interview, "We're very upset [...] The look and feel are awfully similar." Frank Ginsberg, whose company was involved in creating the Lugz ad said, "It's the same commercial. I don't get it."
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After Apple's Switcher campaign was in full-force, how many testimonials with white background, candid-looking subjects, and simple music tracks showed up pitching any number of products? I see them to this day and think to myself that Apple spawned a whole new generation of the age-old testimonial strategy.
It seems to me that copying Apple is a sign of good taste, but Apple continuing development of someone else's idea is a sign of weakness and lack of originality.
It's an opportunity: this is the first Multi-purpose commercial. You get an orange urban cityscape, hip hop music, and then just insert your catfood, or lingerie, or toothpicks... whatever you're selling... and it works! Tight ad budget? No particular message? Have we got an ad for you! Would you like that in Orange, or Purple?
If anything, Lugz copied Apple and put their twist on it, and Chiat/Day put a twist on their own idea, and is getting hammered for it.
Of course its an ubran landscape, its an Emminem flavored ad. What color would you use for an urban landscape, if you still wanted something brilliant. Something warm, hmmm, red? maybe more industrial, orange? brilliant!!!
Clearly the iPod ad is influenced by it, but so what's the big deal. The people involved with the Lugz ad are getting greater exposure because of it.
But I really like the Lugz ad, especially that middle dude who's poppin' away on the street!
BUT i don't think that apple is stealing from lugz here--i think apple likely spawned the lugz look. we all see imagery and are influenced in one way or another. that goes for music, literature, food, you name it.
awesome is right: lugz gets great exposure. apple may look like they were influenced by not apple, but what's currently cool. (anyone seen the honda civic ad?). last go around, apple's agency clearly hit it out of the park and did something truly original.
this time, they just went with a look that has already been done. big deal, because so is lugz. street looking graffiti art with monotone backgrounds combining live action with 2d animation has been done before lugz. oh wait, that was apple's first campaign.
a bad sentence anyway. sorry :)
"The Lugz spot hasn't been seen in three years. Apple's spot is relatively new. Yes, they are similar in color and theme...but so what? Lugz should take the extra publicity and have fun. There are too many people out there with way too much time on their hands."