Summary
The estate of Johnny Cash is suing Coca-Cola, claiming the company used a voice imitation of the late singer in a commercial without permission. The lawsuit, filed in Tennessee, argues that this use violates both state and federal laws protecting voice rights. This case highlights a new Tennessee law, the ELVIS Act, aimed at protecting soundalike voices.
Key Facts
- Johnny Cash's estate filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola on November 25.
- The lawsuit claims Coca-Cola used a voice similar to Johnny Cash's in a commercial without permission.
- The ad is part of Coca-Cola's 2025 college football season campaign called "Fan Work Is Thirsty Work."
- The lawsuit argues that Coca-Cola violated Tennessee’s new ELVIS Act and federal laws.
- The ELVIS Act, effective from July 2024, protects real and simulated voices from unauthorized use.
- This law is significant because it covers sound imitations and could impact how AI-generated voices are used in media.
- Coca-Cola allegedly hired a tribute singer, Shawn Barker, to mimic Johnny Cash's voice.
- The estate claims Coca-Cola did not seek a license to use Cash’s vocal likeness.
