Public Statement Regarding Jonah Lomu

Public Statement Regarding Jonah Lomu

In June 2002 TV3 used a photo of Jonah Lomu and two other All Black players to promote its free-to-air coverage of the All Blacks’ 2002 Rugby Campaign. The use of Lomu’s photo led to the issue of court proceedings against TV3 by Jonah Lomu and his management company Stylez Limited which have now been settled.

TV3 was not aware that Lomu’s contractual arrangements with the NZRU required the specific consent of either Lomu or his agent before any use was made of his image. TV3 has promoted its coverage of the All Blacks’ games in the past by the use of pictures of players playing the game.

TV3 has agreed for the future not to make use of Lomu’s image (outside of conventional news and sports reporting) without first obtaining his specific consent.

The terms of settlement of the court case include TV3’s undertaking for the future not to use Jonah Lomu’s reputation, name and image without the consent of Jonah Lomu and Stylez except for conventional news and sports reporting. The terms of settlement are otherwise confidential.

Jonah Lomu and Stylez are very committed to Jonah Lomu’s chosen sponsors and their investment in him, and will always act to protect these sponsors, as well as Jonah Lomu’s intellectual property. The companies Jonah Lomu works with make a substantial investment in return for consent to use his name and image.

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