Federal Judge Deals Blow to Jordan in Ad Lawsuit

A federal judge in Illinois has struck a blow to Michael Jordan’s lawsuit against a Chicago-area supermarket chain over a magazine ad three years ago.

U.S. District Judge Gary Feinerman ruled that the ad by Jewel-Osco was “noncommercial speech” and protected by the First Amendment.

Jordan sued the chain over the ad that appeared in Sports Illustrated when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

The former Chicago Bulls star contends the ad infringed on his trademark and business interests.

Jordan’s attorney, Fred Sperling, tells the Chicago Tribune that they disagree with the ruling.

A Jewel-Osco spokesman says the company is “pleased.”

Both sides will file briefs next month.

A similar lawsuit that Jordan filed against Dominick’s Finer Foods LLC over an ad in the same magazine is pending.