uni-ball(R) Partners With NBC Skycastle and Law & Order Actress S. Epatha Merkerson

uni-ball(R) Partners With NBC Skycastle and Law & Order Actress S. Epatha Merkerson

New Campaign Promotes Ability to Help Prevent Document Fraud

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Uni-ball(R) is serious when it comes to securing documents and identity theft prevention. The company's new TV ad campaign features S. Epatha Merkerson, who plays the tough, no-nonsense Lt. Anita Van Buren on NBC's drama Law & Order. Shot on Wall Street, the new spots, which were produced by NBC Skycastle, a unit of NBC Local Media, hit airwaves this month and ask, "why wouldn't you use a uni-ball" with specially formulated ink to protect all your important documents.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090122/AQTH523)

The campaign underscores the importance of preventing criminal check washing and other types of document alteration. Using a uni-ball pen with specially formulated Uni Super Ink(TM) helps prevent check fraud. The specially formulated ink becomes trapped in paper's fibers and won't wash out.

"The American Bankers Association estimates check washing fraud costs Americans more than $70 million each year," said Steve Gradman, senior brand manager of uni-ball pens. "We knew that Merkerson's profile could help elevate our message and drive home the importance of protecting yourself, beginning with something as simple as a uni-ball pen with Uni Super Ink as a first line of defense."

Merkerson is an American Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Emmy Award- winning actress for her performance in the TV movie, Lackawanna Blues. She is also an Obie Award-winner, has received two Tony Award nominations and won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Law & Order). Merkerson was most recently nominated for a 2009 NAACP Image Award, again for her role in Law & Order. Merkerson's participation in uni-ball's identity theft ads continues a growing trend among Law & Order cast members of promoting safety issues. The program has received numerous citations from community-based organizations for the social issues it tackles and the cast members are frequently recognized for the work they do off-screen to promote personal health and safety and other volunteer efforts and initiatives.

The ads were created and produced by NBC Skycastle specifically for uni- ball. NBC Skycastle is a division within NBC Local Media that focuses on developing and producing local marketing and promotional solutions for its advertising partners. The new spots are slated to run through May 2009 on first-run NBC prime time shows including the Today Show, U.S. Open, NFL Playoffs, The Office, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, the Golden Globes, Heroes and Chuck.

To see a list of uni-ball pens that contain specially formulated ink designed to help prevent check fraud or to view the ads, visit http://www.uniball-na.com/.

About uni-ball(R)

Part of the Newell Rubbermaid portfolio of leading brands, uni-ball is a world leader in providing an optimal writing experience, offering writing instruments with superior functionality and affordability, including a unique ink system proven to help prevent check and document fraud. Newell Rubbermaid Office Products Group, marketer and North American distributor of uni-ball(R) pens, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization and technology products, including such well known brands as Paper Mate(R), Sharpie(R), DYMO(R), Parker(R), Waterman(R), EXPO(R), uni-ball(R), and Rolodex(R), among others. Visit http://www.uniball-na.com/ for more information.

For more information, contact:
Stevie (Stephanie) Lewis, 314-552-6713
slewis@webershandwick.com

Susan Wassel, 630-481-2018
susan.wassel@sanford.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090122/AQTH523
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: uni-ball

CONTACT: Stevie (Stephanie) Lewis, +1-314-552-6713,
slewis@webershandwick.com, or Susan Wassel, +1-630-481-2018,
susan.wassel@sanford.com, both for uni-ball

Web site: http://www.uniball-na.com/

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