MetLife Won’t Block AT&T; Commercial

MetLife Inc., whose advertisements ask, “Have you met life today?” won’t block AT&T; Wireless Services Inc. from airing its new “mlife” commercial during Sunday’s Super Bowl, even though the insurer will press ahead with a trademark suit against the telecommunications firm.

MetLife, the biggest U.S. life insurer, filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to block AT&T; from continuing to use the “mlife” campaign, including the Super Bowl ad.

After an hour of negotiations at federal court in Manhattan, MetLife agreed that AT&T; could air the ads Sunday, AT&T; said it would withdraw a trademark application, and the two sides said they would meet next week. MetLife’s suit is still pending.

“This is a good outcome. We’re delighted to be moving forward with our campaign,” said Mark Siegel, spokesman for AT&T; Wireless.

AT&T; Wireless has been airing the ads for “mlife” on television, in print and at some airports, in anticipation of its formal introduction during the Super Bowl. Redmond, Wash.-based AT&T; Wireless is trying to create a new identity with consumers after being spun off from AT&T; Corp. in July.

MetLife spokesman Kevin Foley could not be reached for comment on why the insurance company withdrew the bid to stop the Super Bowl ad.