Dallas, Texas (January 5, 2011) – Canadian-based VICE Magazine, which regards itself as the DIY/Punk Rock antithesis to the traditional news outlets contacted us several weeks ago about our use of the Vice Squad Agency name. To be accurate, this DIY/Punk Rock organization sicced trademark attorneys on the Vice Squad Agency claiming trademark infringement and dilution of their brand. The trademarks consist of only the word VICE and do not include “Squad”. One trademark is in the area of advertising, marketing, publicity & promotion, but has more to do with being a record label and does not cover our area of specialization (Gaming, Alchohol, Tobacco & Adult Products).
Most recently VICE cut a deal with MTV to air VICE Guide To Everything which is no doubt the impetus for the lawyers’ letters. Attorneys we consulted on our behalf claimed we had a solid legal claim to our name if we wanted to go to court. Agency management gave the matter a lot of serious thought and decided the money would be better spent on other frivolities–like making payroll and rent.
Vice President and New Business Director David Marett states: “The agency has a lot of projects in the works right now and we simply don’t have time to screw with posers and lawsuits. We specialize in vice-related products and services and the name 7Deadly Group accurately conveys and defines our position in the market."
According to Vice President and Chief Creative Director, Mark Roberts “Vice Magazine’s lawyers ‘strongly suggested’ we get legal representation but my theory is it takes two to fuck or fight. We gave it serious thought and decided to leave them with their hollow victory – I mean trademark attorneys aren’t very punk rock. My only regret is that ‘vice’ is a salaciously wonderful word and I have come to feel they do not deserve it’s sole possession – but I guess might makes right."
We are still the first (and only)!
Whether we are Vice Squad Agency or 7Deadly Group we are the only agency specializing in Gaming, Alcohol, Tobacco & Adult Products. This agency was the first to recognize vice as a genre of advertising and are continually striving improve our ability to deliver ingenious creative solutions to these types of businesses.
Here are some facts:
Gambling expenditures in the United States remain the highest in the world, with leisure dollars fueling a $60-billion industry.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) claims U.S. revenue to spirits makers reached $18.7 billion in 2009.
7.4 billion gallons of beer were consumed in the U.S. in 2005.
The sex-toy market brings in between $8 billion and $12 billion each year in the U.S.
Tattooing in the U.S. is an estimated $2.3 billion industry.
Adult films are estimated to be generating $750 million to $1 billion per year in revenue.
The future:
The 7Deadly Group, formerly Vice Squad Agency is pitching yet-to-be-announced national accounts, doing project work for some local businesses (Rahr Brewing & Zorlac Skateboards) and we are making plans to open a full-service office in New York and a satellite office in Las Vegas in 2011.
