Basically, playboy want this charity to change names, cancel, whatever based on the argument that an event which supports a childrens charity will somehow tarnish the image of a pornographic empire...good one Hugh.
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http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3791154a10,00.html-----
Playboy wields might to axe Chch ball
09 September 2006
By VICKI ANDERSON
Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner has got his cravat in a knot over a planned fundraiser for a Christchurch children's charity, claiming it will tarnish the Playboy empire's name.
Craig Douglas, the organiser of the Playboy Ball to be held at the Civic in Manchester Street next Saturday, has received a letter from a Wellington legal firm acting on behalf of Playboy Enterprises International demanding the cancellation of the event.
The ball is being held to raise funds for Koru Care Christchurch.
The letter objects to Douglas's use of the word "playboy" and "bunny themes" and claims the event breaches Playboy's trademark.
"We're not trying to pass off on their intellectual property in any way, shape or form," Douglas said.
"They have an issue with the rabbit-head device. That's funny – you can't put a patent on a rabbit-head device. You can buy rabbit ears at the $2 Shop. Rabbits have them. What are they going to do?
"And anyone can call themselves a playboy. I'm not; I'm happily married."
The ball will see Manchester Street closed to traffic and bright with the glare from paparazzi snapping the 550 people expected to attend. Entertainment will be provided by a local band called, ironically, Hefner, and members of 48 May.
The guest list includes master of ceremonies Mike King, Winston Peters, Marc Ellis, Matthew Ridge, Aja Rock, Byron Kelleher, Corey Flynn, Australia's Outback Jack, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Vicky Lee, once a Playboy Bunny.
The lawyer's letter says: "Your use of the Playboy trademark and bunny theme trades off our client's reputation and is likely to tarnish that reputation."
Douglas, a former youth minister, laughs at the thought of tarnishing the reputation of the Playboy empire, known for its magazines featuring naked women.
"This event is going to be lavish and exquisite. It's all about class," he said.
"We wrote to them eight months ago, and got their permission. Apparently, the person who wrote back to us had no authorisation to tell us that it was OK, but as far as we're concerned, we're covered.
"We sent an invitation to Hugh Hefner personally. We didn't think he'd turn up. We just hoped he'd possibly sign it, and send it back so we could auction it off.
"No way are we cancelling."
Proceeds from an auction at the ball, including a pair of Carter's underwear, will go to Koru Care Christchurch, a charitable trust devoted to making dreams come true for hundreds of sick and disabled New Zealand children.
Chris George, chairman of Koru Care Christchurch, was not aware of the bunny-ear row when approached by The Press.
"All I know is that some of the proceeds are coming to us. It's not an event run by Koru Care Christchurch. It's to help fundraise for our next trip," he said.
"We spend 11-months-a-year fundraising to take these kids away to Disneyland. It is hard work, but to look at the eyes of the kids when we go away makes it all worthwhile.
"These children would never get the opportunity to go away if it wasn't for fundraising events like this".
When approached by The Press for comment, patent and trademark attorney for Playboy Enterprises International Kate McHaffie said: "The short answer is that I can't tell you anything without getting instructions from my client, so that's a `no comment'."