Michelin in Court to Defend Bibendum

Months after announcing that the company’s Bibendum had been short-listed as one of the world’s most recognised logos, Michelin is going to court to defend the beloved ‘Michelin Man.’

A 78-year-old from north west London is due before the High Court on Monday to answer allegations that he infringed Michelin’s trademark rights. The international tyre manufacturer is suing Shimon Tzabar because the cover of a political pamphlet he wrote is designed to look similar to a Michelin guidebook.

The pamphlet in question, Much Better than the Official Michelin Guide to Israeli prisons, Jails, Concentration Camps and Torture Chambers – is obviously tongue-in-cheek. But it is no laughing matter for Mr Tzabar, whose satirical artwork means he is facing bankruptcy.

“The way I used the name of Michelin in the cover of the spoof, could only add to their reputation, not to damage it” said Mr Tzabar, the pamphlet invites readers to begin its “guided tour of Israel’s prisons, concentration camps and torture chambers” by being arrested. The pamphlet adds: “The safest way to be arrested, although this also carries a risk with it, is to look like a Palestinian Arab. “Once you look like a Palestinian you have a good chance of being arrested.”

According to Mr Tzabar writing the pamphlet was an act of humanitarianism that was not meant to offend the company. “Being a French company, I was sure that they would know what satire is and would have enough sense of humour to tolerate a spoof based on one of their products, especially for such an humanitarian cause.”