Reply-To: From: "Robert Vickers" We appreciate your feedback concerning the use of Dr. King's intellectual property in an advertisement for Alcatel. Intellectual Properties Management, as manager of the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., has issued a license agreement to Arnold Worldwide on behalf of their client, Alcatel, to cover the usage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s intellectual property in Alcatel's current advertising campaign.We do believe that the ad honors Dr. King's legacy. The intent is to honor his "I Have A Dream" speech - as one of the most powerful moments in history.The campaign, as we understand it, is based on outstanding examples of effective communication taken from history-- such as speeches, songs and historical events. The campaign is intended to raise the question: "What if these words, thoughts, ideas were never heard, or had never connected with people?" It leads to the statement that "for a passion to inspire a Nation, it has to reach the Nation."In order to translate Dr. King's nonviolence philosophies, which are relevant to 21st century challenges, IPM and the King Estate must realistically evaluate requests for use of Dr. King's intellectual property given the current climate of increased technology, which has led to an overall, worldwide explosion in the use of mass media to communicate universally recognizable visual messages to people of all backgrounds and cultures.We firmly believe that it is imperative that we utilize all available channels in order to build an in-depth understanding of Dr. King's philosophies of nonviolence in order to make the goal of the "Beloved Community" a reality.As a result of the advancement of technology and mass communication, we are actually able to assist in building the global, "Beloved Community". In evaluating requests for use of Dr. King's intellectual property, IPM understands that the first step to accomplish this goal is an overall recognition of Dr. King's persona and a general awareness of his philosophies of nonviolence and interracial cooperation among all members of the general public, both inside and outside of the United States.While it is often difficult to please everyone, we want you to be assured that we maintain the highest standards with respect to the use of Dr. King's intellectual property. We, before anyone else, certainly recognize the important role he has played in the history of the United States and around the world.
Robert Vickers

Manager, Communications
The Martin Luther King, Jr.
Center For Nonviolent Social Change, Inc.
449 Auburn Avenue N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 526-8946
(404) 526-8969 fax
www.thekingcenter.org
rvickers@thekingcenter.org
Robert Vickers
Manager, Communications
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, Inc.
449 Auburn Avenue N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 526-8946
(404) 526-8969 fax
www.thekingcenter.org
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