Chubby Checker Settles Hewlett Packard Penis Size App Lawsuit
Music icon Chubby Checker has settled his lawsuit with Hewlett Packard. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. But neither side has accepted liability and HP has agreed not to use the singer’s stage name, trademarks or likeness.
Early in 2013, Checker, best known for his #1 hit "The Twist" had filed a multi-million lawsuit against Hewlett Packard and its subsidiary Palm for selling a WebOS app called called the "Chubby Checker" that uses a man's shoe size to estimate the size of his penis.
"We cannot sit idly and watch as technology giants…exploit the name or likeness of an innocent person."
Before it's removal in 2012, the app had been downloaded less than 100 times, netting HP about $90. But Checker's lawyers still cry foul. "This lawsuit is about preserving the integrity and legacy of a man who has spent years working hard at his musical craft and has earned the position of one of the greatest musical entertainers of all time," said attorney Willie Gary in a statement when the suit was filed. "We
cannot sit idly and watch as technology giants or anyone else exploits the name or likeness of an innocent person with the goal of making millions of dollars."
No Stranger To Big Settlements
Though it does not appear that they won one here, Gary and his legal team are no strangers to the courtroom or big settlements. In 1995, a jury awarded Gary and team a record-breaking, half-billion dollars against one of the world's largest funeral chains, The Loewen Group. In addition, Gary won a $240 million jury verdict against the Walt Disney Corporation for clients who alleged that Disney stole their idea for a sports theme park.
