Motel 6 spokesman Tom Bodett sues chain for using – Business News
Tom Bodett, identified for his radio and TV advertisements telling vacationers that at Motel 6 “we’ll leave the light on for you,” has sued the motel chain for using his title and voice with out permission, after their almost four-decade relationship broke down.
In a grievance filed Monday evening in Manhattan federal court docket, Bodett stated he cut ties with Motel 6 after its new proprietor, India-based OYO, missed a $1.2 million annual fee due on Jan. 7 underneath their contract, which was to finish in November.
Bodett stated Motel 6 nonetheless saved using his title and voice on its national reservation cellphone line, violating his rights underneath the contract and federal trademark law.
Tom Bodett, 70, is thought for appearances on National Public Radio and in a number of Ken Burns documentaries Crazy Good Turns
The 70-year-old creator and voice actor is thought for appearances on National Public Radio and in a number of Ken Burns documentaries, in addition to for his clean baritone.
Bodett stated he tried negotiating a confidential settlement that will acknowledge his function in building Motel 6, not damage its image or franchisees, and supply “graceful closure,” however the chain responded solely with (*6*)
The lawsuit seeks $1.2 million, plus further unspecified damages and a share of earnings.
A spokesperson for G6 Hospitality, Motel 6’s speedy guardian, stated it was shocked by the lawsuit however hoped to resolve the dispute amicably.
“We appreciate Mr. Bodett’s contributions over the past years,” the spokesperson stated. “Of course, we will continue to advertise keeping the lights on for you.”
Reached by e-mail, Bodett stated: “The complaint says all there is to say.”
Bodett had been Motel 6’s lead spokesman since 1986, and stated he coined “we’ll leave the light on for you” as an ad-lib.
Motel 6 has more than 1,450 places within the United States and Canada, based on its web site.
Bodett had been Motel 6’s lead spokesman since 1986, and stated he coined “we’ll leave the light on for you” as an ad-lib. REUTERS
OYO is a international journey technology unit of Oravel Stays, which purchased Motel 6 from Blackstone Real Estate for $525 million in December.
The case is Bodett et al v G6 Hospitality LLC et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-04854.
