From the Desk of Kris Kringle, CEO and Founder, Santa LLC
Re: An open letter to the ad industry
Dear Advertising Professionals,
As 2008 draws to a close, I have decided to break my silence and communicate with you -- the people who use my brand, likeness and trademarks without permission every year.
You people chap my keister with your incessant trademark infringement on the Kringle brand.
Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Don't think I don't notice, for example, that for 40-plus years a certain electric razor company has been showing a faux Claus riding a razor like a sled through a winter wonderland. Noelco from Norelco? My lawyers are preparing the injunction request even as I type.
Plus, don't think I haven't seen that a certain office supply retailer created an application where people could make themselves elves -- completely flouting the certification process and apprenticeship system.
And do not even get me started on this travesty of the "season of giving." Mrs. Claus has been furtively playing that clip all year long. Thanks ever so much for that, P&G. How is a 500-year-old man supposed to compete with them?
Gillette Christmas Viral - Click here for the funniest movie of the week
Frankly, it's enough to take the ho-ho-ho right out of me.
I should give you all lumps of coal for Christmas for exploiting my trademarks, but I am a forgiving sort of fella. And since you all seem so darned obsessed by me, I've decided instead to get a few things off my chest. Which, BTW, is toning up rather nicely since I took up the Pilates.
Anyway, here's some sage advice from the guy who makes the cash registers ring so much in Q4. Listen and learn, people. Here's my advice on how to make 2009 a better year than 2008.
