Emerson disposes of NBC

This past week, NBC used the In-Sink-Erator name without the permission of the manufacturer, Emerson, in its premier episode of Heroes, and is now facing a lawsuit based on Emerson’s claim that the scene depicts the garbage disposer “in an unsavory light, irreparably tarnishing the product” while implying that severe injuries will result “in the event consumers were to accidentally insert their hand into one.”

Thanks for all the consumer-confidence Emerson...

Emerson is seeking to both block rebroadcasts of the pilot episode, which are already airing on NBC Universal-owned networks USA and Sci Fi, and stop NBC from using any Emerson trademarks in the future.

Emerson insists the suit is more about NBC’s improper use of the In-Sink-Erator name than the content of the scene, which features a cheerleader who possesses the super-hero capability to withstand a running garbage disposal. And although her mangled figures return to normal seconds later, Emerson is taking a stand on behalf of all product-placements gone wrong, arguing, “it’s a trademark thing.”

With an arguement like that, who wouldn't be eager to support PROPER product placement?

Interestingly enough, Emerson is more concerned about its OWN image rather than the consequences of children who, after viewing the pilot and in proving to themselves that they, too, possess super powers, stick THEIR hands down a garbage disposal… yet never experience hand re-growth.

And with all the ongoing media hype caused by Emerson’s suit, the company is gaining more (free) exposure than it could have anticipate (and paid for) in the quick 5-second scene included in the NBC episode… because as we all know, in the world of entertainment, even bad publicity is publicity.