Tiger Sues Yacht Builder

Tiger Woods sues Christensen Shipyards claiming unauthorized use of his name.

tiger_woods_yacht.jpgTiger Woods has filed suit against Vancouver firm Christensen Shipyards concerning the purchase of the luxury yacht “Privacy”. The so-named 155-foot vessel cost Woods $20 million or so. But you’d think spending that much money and calling the darned thing “Privacy”, that you’d expect some. In fact, Tiger didn’t just expect it, he demanded it with a confidentiality agreement.

The actual sales contract allows the builder to “take and use photographs of the Motor Yacht during construction, and before and after delivery for purposes of Builder’s publishing, trade, advertising, or general purpose, along with printed matter”, however, “it agrees not to disclose Customer’s name”. Moreover, the “builder shall not disclose the name of the Motor Yacht or the identity of Customer’s principal or any member of his family for any purpose, including, without limitation, promotion or marketing of Builder’s products”.

These words apparently didn’t mean anything to Christensen Shipyards as they allegedly have been distributing photos of “Privacy” to yachting magazines and, during a recent Fort Lauderdale boat show, used Tiger’s name to promote the firm.

The lawsuit accuses Christensen Shipyards of starting a “widespread national campaign” using Woods’ name and photos of the yacht and claims more than $75,000 in damages for Woods for having his privacy violated. Based on his “established value as an endorser and promoter of products,” Woods estimates that compensatory damages in the matter could exceed $50 million.

The Smoking Gun has the 14-page lawsuit filing as well as an excerpt from the February 2004 sales contract and a sworn declaration by Elin Nordegren.

5 thoughts on “Tiger Sues Yacht Builder”

  1. Tiger is Right! Think about it, if you used my Dad’s name, and yes my Dad. He is retiring his second time. My Dad gave permission to Morton Buildings when he built his Horse Farm. Though, they use the building for their ads. and mazs. I do beleive that they did not use his name. Oh, to make sure this does not go any where, you do not have permission to use my name, even being your website.

    In the right to “Privacy”, you hae to give the elite people or persons, their right to “Privacy”. I would expect that of any company, it is wonderful that you get to build something for a well known person, though are they public, no. In fact Tiger does get paid for his sport and Ads, as well as any other appearance, picture that has to do with his profession.

    If you gave permission then, maybe you have a written agreement, and are entitled to the money made from selling more of any product.

    Like the Ads with Tiger on T.V, yea, he does that for free. Ok, and then he would not have any money to purchase things he wants or needs.

    If anyone thinks this is a defense in Tiger, or any wealthy person’s favor. You go to work and tell the C.E.O that you do not need to be paid for selling his company’s product. That you are satisfied with just the product, as well as , any product you by and start a trend with the world. On the fact the you own one of the products and now the rest of the world would like to buy that Company’s product.

    Though, you can not disclose the name of the owner without written and verbral permission including a Privacy Statement, according to the statement that was stated about Tiger. Yes, indeed Tiger does have the upper hand. They might have to give the Yacht he purchased for free. Love to have a deal like that.

  2. Tiger woods seems to be caught up in the news frenzy for this year. First it was the divorce mess and now it comes to this sue game . Poor Tiger!

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