This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On August 18, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge, the world marathon champion, threatened to sue NRG Radio, FunX Radio 91.3FM, and Choice Radio 87.7FM for unauthorized use of his images and name in a commercial advertisement.
The radio stations had used Kipchoge's images and name before and after the INEOS1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria, where he completed the marathon in under two hours on Saturday.
Through his advocates, KTK, Kipchoge accused the companies of illegally using his photos to promote their brands.
“We have been retained by Eliud Kipchoge, our client, to write to you that you issued a press release indicating your said intention to appropriate our client’s name and images on your various FunX Radio 91.3FM, NRG Radio 97.1FM, and Choice Radio 87.7FM,” KTK advocates said in the statement.
Kipchoge also accused the companies of changing their social media account’s name to Kipchoge.Radio and suggesting that he had endorsed their brands.
“That without his permission, authority, or licence, or any colour of right, you changed the name of your station topline on your social media pages and online blogs to Kipchoge.Radio and,” added the statement.
The document also claimed that Kipchoge felt the ads were never meant to cheer him but to promote their brands by fraudulently informing their listeners and followers that they can win a car.
“That without our client’s permission, authority, or licence, or any other colour of right, you frequently informed your listeners and followers that by following your Instagram page, you will gift our client a car. Our client never asked for and doesn’t require any gifting of your car of any other car,” said the statement.
