Chamber of Commerce of United States v. Servin

Filing Date: 2009
Case Categories:
Principal Laws:
Lanham Act, State Law—Tort Law, District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act
Description: Lawsuit against “Yes Men” for falsely impersonating the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
  • Chamber of Commerce of United States v. Servin
    Docket number(s): 1:09-cv-2014
    Court/Admin Entity: D.D.C.
    Case Documents:
    Filing Date Type File Action Taken Summary
    06/07/2013 Notice Download Notice of dismissal without prejudice filed.
    11/06/2009 Complaint Download First amended complaint filed.
    10/26/2009 Complaint Download Complaint filed. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce sued the individuals that make up the “Yes Men,” a comedic group that often parodies certain industry groups. On October 19, 2009, a press release from the group but purporting to be from the Chamber said that the Chamber was “throwing its weight behind strong climate legislation.” Numerous mainstream news outlets ran stories about the release, but later had to retract or correct the stories after the Chamber confirmed that the release was a hoax.  In addition to the press release, the group staged a fake press conference. The suit demands that the group take down a website that mimics the Chamber’s site and seeks a ban on any further attempts by the group to impersonate the Chamber or any of its representatives.