Trademark law gone strange or a lesson in character creation?

This week a number of media outlets have jumped on a dispute between Sony and Bridgestone Tyres, centred on the latter’s use of an actor Sony had previously used in its advertising campaigns – but now seen using a product from one of Sony’s direct competitors. While not – as some have claimed – an example of trademark law “getting stranger”, the dispute is an interesting one, highlighting as it does protection issues around character creation.