Owning an image

SILICON VALLEY -- Dan Gillmor looks at Arnold Schwarzenegger's claim to a celebrity doll making the rounds in the shops. In Schwarzenegger's mind, he is entitled to his Hollywood persona, which means that any attempt at political parody involving Schwarzenegger can be shot down with American's intellectual property laws.

Schwarzenegger's lawyer cites "very strong laws that protect celebrities." This argument fails to note Schwarzenegger has crossed over into politics, where the standards are different.

The Schwazenegger doll is an exercise in satire. If the court rules otherwise, there should be an appeal.

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Dan Gillmor -- "Schwarzenegger plays the heavy"
John Broder -- "Schwarzenegger Files Suit Against Bobblehead Maker"
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