Has Suzuki Ripped off TV2?

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DjShadow

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#59732 10-Apr-2010 18:56

That new Suzuki Swift ad (band playing Still the One) has been bugging me since it came out as I'm sure I've heard the tune they are using before

After a little digging I believe its the old 1990 TV2 (Channel 2) theme they are using:

Here is a Link to the Suzuki Ad: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Swift-Still-The-One/TV-Commercial/

Here is a Link to the old TV 2 theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rozran50JE

Hope there is no copyright issue like the recent Men at Work - Downunder case where it turns out a flute solo in it was copied from I think a Girl Guides song from long ago

rscole86

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#316870 10-Apr-2010 19:47

If 'Still the One's copyright owner was happy for TV2 to slaughter it for their add, and for Suzuki to use it in theirs then there is no problem.

It will come down to if they have paid for use of the song, assuming its copyrighted. I am sure Suzuki will have checked that first.

patatrat

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#316874 10-Apr-2010 20:16

"Still the one" was originally recorded by "Orleans" in 1976. It was written by Johanna and John Hall.

The song was also used by ABC in 1977 - 78, and Nine network in Australia for their station campaigns. I believe ABC also modified the words to "We're the one" for their 78 -79 campaign.

In 2004, the Bush campaign used the song at a events until John Hall went public stating that he never gave permission for it to be used. The same thing happened again in 2008 with the McCain campaign. It seems that he didn't have any issues with it being played for Ted Kennedy at the 2008 Democratic convention.

I'd say it is a pretty safe bet that Suzuki obtained permission.