Legal Niches

Bad Company 2 & French Army Ads Square Off

By pete_gallagher

As part of a campaign designed to boost recruitment, the French Army introduced a new campaign that uses the slogan 'Devenez vous-même' or 'Be Yourself,' and directs interested parties to visit the website DevenezVousMeme.com.

The French Army ad appears to have caught the eye of Electronic Arts, as an article on LusoGamer (translated) points out that an ad for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 appears to have somewhat appropriated the French Army slogan. The similarities were not very difficult to notice as the giant ads appeared right next to each other (picture) in a French subway station. EA's ad directed users towards the (inactive) website DevenezPlusQueVous-meme.com, which translates to 'Be More Than Yourself.'

Army General Philippe Pontiès didn't find much humor in the matter, telling French website Ecrans (translated) that:

We are clearly in a situation of abuse of slogan. So far, our campaign is working very well, we have very good returns.

The General also noted that the army has been advertising in videogames, with good results, and, ironically enough, has advertised in select EA game, such as NHL 10, NBA Live 10 and Need For Speed Pro Street. The General made it clear that the Army advertises only in racing or sports games, never army or military-themed games.

The ad appropriation issue has apparently been resolved through dialog between the Army's agency and Electronic Arts.

Thanks Emanuel!

Full post as published by GamePolitics.com on February 25, 2010 (boomark / email).