Rapper 50 Cent filed a federal lawsuit against the fast food chain Taco Bell on July 23, 2008. The lawsuit alleged that Taco Bell used 50 Cent's name and image to promote their products without his permission. As part of their "Why Pay More" campaign, Taco Bell released an advertisement encouraging 50 Cent to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent.Yahoo! News: 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad campaign (July 24, 2008)

News of a counter suit filed by Taco Bell surfaced in November 2008 claiming that 50 Cent is trying to "burnish his gangsta rapper persona by distorting beyond all recognition a bona fide, good faith offer."NME: Taco Bell accuse 50 Cent... (November 20, 2008)

"We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name to either 79, 89 or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice."—Statement from Taco Bell spokesman Rob Poetsch Billboard: 50 Cent Sues Taco Bell Over Ad Campaign (July 24, 2008)

"Without seeking or obtaining (Curtis) Jackson's (AKA 50 Cent) authorization, defendant Taco Bell made him the star and focus of its nationwide advertising campaign by using his name, persona and trademark to promote Taco Bell's business and products."—Excerpt from court documentsMTV: 50 Cent Sues Taco Bell (July 24, 2008)

"Mr. Jackson filed this lawsuit to protect his valuable trademark and privacy rights against infringers like Taco Bell, who seek to make money using his name without his permission. Mr. Jackson intends to demonstrate that Taco Bell and its affiliated companies have used this same infringing tactic before by issuing press releases using other celebrities' names, such as Rihanna, Chris Brown, Fergie and Paris Hilton. Mr. Jackson believes that Taco Bell needs to be stopped. With this recent court filing, Taco Bell has not only misappropriated Mr. Jackson's name, but they have now defamed his character in a desperate attempt to defend their improper actions. Mr. Jackson intends to vigorously pursue this case."—Peter Raymond, 50 Cent's attorneyMTV: 50 Cent Gets Trash-Talking (November 20, 2008)