"No objective person could reasonably have concluded that the commercial actually offered consumers a Harrier jet." said U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood. It was the moment when Jon Leonard, 24-year-old forest guard in Seattle, found his case turned out to be a loss.

In 1996, Pepsi launched "PEPSI GENERATION" campaign in U.S. This campaign had stickers with various points on cans and bottles, which could be exchanged to PEPSI goods. Customer could also buy points for 10 if shortage. The commercial, the cause of this suit, showed various PEPESI goods and corresponding points required to get them, and concluded with the Harrier for 7 million points.

Leonard, who had had a dream of own fighter for business, raised $700,000 from acquaintances and purchased points enough for a jet. PEPSI company was quite surprised and reply that "The Harrier jet in the Pepsi commercial is fanciful and is simply included to create a humorous and entertaining ad. We apologize for any misunderstanding." with free coupons in compensate for the jet. Leonard could not, however, be satisfied their reply and decided to sued PEPSI.

Harrier costs around $23,000,000. The court has ruled it was obvious that it's a joke to offer Harrier jet for PEPSI-points worth only $700,000.

Leonard was very disappointed and thinking of an appeal, according to his lawyer. Pepsi must have learned what "Out of the mouth comes evil" means.

References

• The Asahi Shimbun (morning issue, Aug.8,1999)
• Nikkan Sports (morning issue, Aug.8,1999)
• Man's attempt to get Pepsi jet fizzles (CNN interactive, Aug.6,1999)