This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On October 18, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge's lawyer, Donald Kipkorir, sent a demand letter to NRG Radio over breach of brand rights, copyright, trademark rights, and privacy.
NRG Radio had been using Kipchoge's name and image to promote their shows and events, including the 'Eliud' breakfast show, without obtaining the necessary rights.
The station's marketing team had taken the 1:59 challenge literally, changing their name to Kipchoge Radio and running a series of shows using Kipchoge's name to promote their shows.
However, the final straw was the i8 challenge, where the station promised to give away a BMW i8 owned by the station's owner, Eric Mulei, if their Instagram page hit 1 million followers in 24 hours.
According to the letter, the use of Kipchoge's name, image, and reputation was in total and blatant violation of his brand rights, privacy, copyright, and trademark rights.
Kipchoge is demanding that NRG Radio expunge his name, images, and any other reference to him from their platforms, and provide an unqualified apology for using his brand.
Failure to comply would result in a lawsuit that could be too expensive for the growing station.
