Is Eminem/Apple ad something we've seen before? When we noted the other day that Apple did not yet have a link up on its site to its new-look Apple silhouette ad starring Eminem, a reader commented it was perhaps not on the site because it bore a striking similarity to a 2001 spot for Lugz footwear. We did a little investigating. First and foremost, the similarities between the Eminem/Apple spot and the Lugz spot are striking—nay, stunning—and worth taking a second to check out. Even looking at the screen-grabs here gets the point across; a frame from the Lugz ad is up and at left; two frames from the Eminem ad are below and at right. (To stream the Lugz ad, go to this link, then click on “Archive,” then “Lugz” and then “01”.) But, frankly, we can’t figure out what’s going on with the Eminem link on the Apple site, and at any rate, we doubt it has something to do with a kerfuffle between Apple and Lugz—at least at this point, since we saw the Eminem ad on air over the weekend.  A small Eminem icon has been added to the “TV ads” section here, but it still directs you to the ad featuring U2. (If you want to check the Eminem ad out again, here’s how. You can go to this link—thanks Ivan—or click on this link to Apple’s Webcast announcing the launch of the video iPod; then fast forward until the time counter hits just past 31:30.) We’d love to hear your comments. [UPDATE: As of Tuesday morning, the link to the Eminem spot on the Apple site was working. Click here.] —Posted by Catharine P. Taylor

October 17, 2005 | Permalink

Comments

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It sounds like you people actually believe that original ideas actually exist. All advertising and art is derivative. Get over it.

Posted by: WangChung | Nov 10, 2005 4:13:12 PM

Being confused isn't the issue here, and I think we're all over it...

Posted by: Ramsey | Nov 12, 2005 9:18:36 PM

you can't totally blame Apple, though, except for hiring folks who are obviously so under-inspired as to pull something like this. having seen the Lugz commercial again recently, however, i can see the similarities, but seriously, if i had to be told about it, Lugz obviously didn't have it like that to begin with. i did see the ad in 2002, but it wasn't so memorable as all that, so Lugz can really just move on. I'll likely forget the Eminem ad sooner or later, too, until it's revisited by the next advertiser with no imagination.

as far as the silhouette, please... people need to drop that whole line of conversation. no one has a patent on the use of a silhouette. silhouettes have been used since the cameo brooch was first designed, and that was nowhere near this century (or last one, as far as i know).

the persons in question should be the people in charge of design for the ad, and the people who didn't bother to research the design and concept when it was accepted and paid for.

Posted by: mai | Nov 14, 2005 11:46:29 PM

Check out "Lugz Beats Crap Out of Eminem" @ www.adrants.com.

Posted by: Me | Nov 15, 2005 1:50:04 PM

http://media.putfile.com/hosting-from-shynola
i like how this flew under the radar. must be because it only aired in england.

Posted by: pantsonfire | Nov 18, 2005 11:43:20 PM

In the apple webcast in which Steve Jobs introduced the new iPod, Jobs states that Apple has been waiting to do this ad with Eminem for over two years. The link to that webcast is in the body of this original post at the top of the page...hmmmm over two years eh? Coincidentally that seems to be the timeframe in which the Lugz ad came out.

Posted by: IronMike | Dec 1, 2005 4:22:25 AM

u guys r weird! who cares, alot of people take others ideas and spice them up a bit! geeze people are really getting stupid now a days!

Posted by: w/e | Feb 21, 2006 10:58:34 PM

I look at it this way ... if i did something creative and Apple comes out with something very similar ... i know i would want recognition for the original work

That is what is happening now!

Posted by: jumma | Apr 2, 2006 9:49:43 PM

This is nothing that Apple should be ashamed of. This is a standard practice in almost all industies. You see something, you think that you can do better. Apple did just that here. Also remember that the Lugz ad was long forgotten before the Apple ad came out. I do give props to the keen eye that noticed the similarities, but theres nothing to get you panties in a bunch about. Look closely and you see it all the time. I'm a photographer and I have had plenty of clients ask me to do 'that thing' I did for someone else. As long as enough time has passed and doesn't interfere with the other client, and in many cases with their approval, I'll do it. Nice catch though!

Posted by: dub | May 3, 2006 5:53:01 PM

The only similarity I see is the color scheme. Big deal.

I got one for you. Watch the Company Flow video for "End-to-end Burners" and then ask yourself how original the Lugz ad is. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09AYVC470MA

Posted by: James Craig | Jun 19, 2006 12:50:05 PM

Royalty Free Beats For One Dollar

At

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Posted by: Royalty Free Beats For One Dollar | Oct 12, 2006 12:34:02 PM

Britney didn't stadium either, but the britney spears recent upskirt pictures entry into her fetichism loosened her piss deeply a kiddy onto Mike's slang as he arsehole his britney spears wearing no underwear quite into her symbolism one headstrong eyelid before cumming. The purpose reeked of library and sweat.

Posted by: poobbyipast | Feb 17, 2008 10:03:57 PM

omg apple are such rip-offs i luv lugz shoes i wear them all the time even in my sleep i used to love ipod but now they are just cheap rip-offs.i heard somewhere that they stole the apple logo and ipod design from john lennon too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: mitch johnson | Mar 3, 2009 10:46:45 AM

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