And you thought Theraflu was a medicine for coughs and colds. Well, it's more than that now. Theraflu is also the name of the new single by rapper Kanye West, who carries on about his complicated love life, including his latest fling, Kim Kardashian, as well as ex-girlfriend Amber Rose and her new flame. At one point, he warns that he's "way too cold. I promise you’ll need some Theraflu."
The song is generating attention, not only due to his high profile, but also because he angered the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, when he says "someone tell PETA my mink is draggin’ on the floor." How did the animal-rights group respond? This way: "What’s draggin’ on the floor is Kanye’s reputation as a man with no empathy for animals or human beings," says PETA senior vp Dan Mathews.
Meanwhile, Novartis is also not pleased. The drugmaker sent us this statement: "Novartis is aware of a song recently released by rapper Kanye West, which contains references to Theraflu in its title, lyrics and artwork. Novartis Consumer Health in no way endorses or approves of the references or use of the image and likeness of Theraflu in this manner.”
What artwork? Besides using the name of the over-the-counter medication for his single, West also has a drawing of a Theraflu bottle front and center on his web site (see here). We asked if Novartis is pursuing litigation, but the spokeswoman did not answer that question. However, the wording of the statement suggests the drugmaker is clearly sending a signal about its trademark rights.
We are attempting to reach Kanye or one of his representatives for a comment and will update you accordingly. Meanwhile, if you go to his web site, you can listen to 'Theraflu.'
11 Comments
........... oh no you did-nent !!!! Kanye is a musical genius
Yes, just like Blige will give back the 2 million she pocketed from bk after viewing the outtakes of her chicken video and calling out bk on racism.
Nice crop on the image from the Mr. West's website Ed; keeping it family friendly in Pharmalot Land. FYI During a break here on campus at a pharma company I inserted my ear buds so I could hear Mr West's hardcore beats and determine for myself if he was hurting or helping Novartis with relative privacy. I was of course immediately greeted with the un-cropped version of the photo. I must say I was unclear from your crop that the Thermaflu bottle was the visage of what I guess is Kardashian's face while the remaining part of the picture is her topless body. May I suggest saying NSFW on the link...it would have kept me from almost shocking some folks in my meeting room.
BTW Not Mad At All; just want to be helpful
First of all, Kanye West is no musical genius; or any sort of genius for that matter. Secondly, I'd fully support the Novartis motion to sue him for trademark infringement. Any royalties from the song should go directly to Novartis for developing the title and producing the product - a therapy that clearly helps some people, rather than the song that clearly helps no one.
clearly helps no one? I thought there was no such thing as bad publicity. Novartis should be smart and let this go. after all, Kanye is not only recommending one of their products (on-label no less), but he's doing it for FREE. if they're really smart, they should agree to not sue in exchange for using the song in their commercials.
Why would any company want to be associated with Kanye West?
Sizzurp isn't on-label, is it?
I would have thought they would pay for this product placement of a non-prescription ingredient. It's going to be flying off the shelves.
I guarantee you that if Novartis used Kanye's name/likeness or a reference to one of his songs without his expressed permission, he'd sue so Novartis should sue and demand a significant cut of the profits
@Taylor, don't they make a lot of $$$$ fleecing and polluting the country that Kanye is a citizen of?....fleece 'em and crap on them but don't associate with 'em...?
It doesnt matter what they are saying about you in Hollywood, what counts is that they are using your name and spelling it correctly. anon