THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1999

Campaign ploys rip off advertisements, movie titles

This letter is in response to Wednesday's article by Ken Hanson, "Capitalizing on Hollywood."

In this article he castrates Robert Garcia for breaking copyright laws by using movie posters for his campaign.

I agree with Hanson, but I would also add Toby Sexton to the list.

Hanson seems to be biased on the issue. He neglected to mention Sexton's infringement of copyright laws.

Sexton has also been capitalizing with his "Yo quiero Toby" campaign. Just as with Garcia, Sexton steals copyrighted material when he uses the slogan and the dog from the Taco Bell ads.

Sexton used the same campaign last year, compounding his disregard for the law.

Hanson said: "I think it is outrageous for someone who wants to be in a position of power on this campus to break the law and infringe upon the copyrights of the entertainment industry ... I personally don't want someone in charge of Associated Students Inc. who willingly breaks the law ...."

I completely agree. However, Sexton also "willingly breaks the law." Sexton and Garcia have both shown that they do not have the right to run for office since they seem to feel they are above the law.

Copyright infringement is a serious and punishable offense, which doesn't seem to phase either one.

And Sexton says he wants to go to law school! I question their integrity and don't trust either to become A.S.I. president.

Compounding the problem is that A.S.I. has allowed this illegal, reprehensible, and negligent behavior to flourish, making me question how legitimate A.S.I. and its officers are.

The current president, Christy Zamani, is endorsing Sexton, showing her support for this activity.

Yet when two candidates at CSULB, who are both currently in other offices, break the law, neither is punished.

Both Sexton and Garcia should be disqualified from the election and barred from further positions of power in the A.S.I. Unfortunately, you can be sure that A.S.I. does not have the integrity or the concern to do this.

A.S.I. doesn't have the greatest reputation, and this type of behavior doesn't improve its standing.

Then they ask us to give them more money. I don't think so, not when I don't trust those in control.

Sexton and Garcia's actions are not minor, forgettable infractions.

They are serious, law-breaking acts that should NOT be supported by student votes.

If this is what they present as their image to get elected, just imagine what they might do behind closed doors, with your money.

- Jessica Kirst,

film and electronic art

Editor's note: Movie titles are not subject to copyright law, which covers literary artistry and expression of ideas according to the Writers Guild West.

Movie titles, however, can be trademarked.

Theoretically, because the candidates are using the posters for political advantage there could be a trademark infringement dispute.

More commonly it is an actionable offense when one proves a registered trademark was unlawfully used for direct commercial gain, or its wrongful use damages a trademark, said Lee Brown, chairman of the journalism department.