SHORT TAKES : Ad Brews Trouble With Guitarist
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SAN FRANCISCO — Rock guitarist Carlos Santana has accused the Miller Brewing Co. of mimicking without authorization his rendition of “Black Magic Woman” in a TV commercial.
The lawsuit filed Monday alleges Miller and its New York ad agency, Backer Spielvogel Bates Inc., violated trademark law in the commercial for Miller Lite Beer. Santana’s lawyer, David Phillips, said damages may surpass $1 million.
The lawsuit claims the brewer knowingly used an “imitation of Santana’s distinctive guitar playing.”
Although Santana did not write “Black Magic Woman,” the lawsuit said, the public considers it his “theme song.” Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac wrote the 1970 hit.
Miller spokesman Steve Forsythe said the brewer had no comment.
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