The Postal Service, Brought To You By UPS
by Alan Wiley
on April 04, 2009
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it totally weird that the soundtrack to the latest series of UPS commercials is by the Postal Service? I thought they had some sort of deal with the US Postal Service that let them use the name, as long as they promoted using the mail system, including commercials. This seems more like they're promoting the competition to me. Anyone know what's up?
--Alan Wiley
Courtney Hurst on April 08, 2009 at 02:00 PM
I seem to remember a story about a feud between Postal Service (the band) and USPS. Something like: USPS was going to sue over the name of the band, but a deal was worked out where USPS could use their music in advertising for free in exchange for dropping the suit.
Then the band sold their song to UPS, USPS's competitor, as a sort of "F you" statement.
From Wikipedia: "In 2004, the United States Postal Service sent the band a cease and desist letter, citing its trademark on the phrase "postal service". After negotiations, the USPS relented, allowing the band use of the trademark in exchange for promotional efforts on behalf of the USPS and a performance at its annual National Executive Conference. Additionally, the USPS website sells the band's CDs. In 2007, "Such Great Heights" appeared in the background of the "Whiteboard" advertising campaign for one of the federal establishment's private competitors, the United Parcel Service."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Postal_Service