Roughly two months after United States District Judge Claudia Wilken approved a $60 million settlement that would compensate past collegiate players for the NCAA’s use of their name, image, and likeness in video games manufactured by Electronic Arts (EA Sports) from the years 2003 to 2014 – a decision currently being appealed by the NCAA […]
With the continued growth of athletes and celebrities as role models in addition to the continued importance of intellectual property in their lives, it raises the question of whether they can trademark their names. “Under §2(e)(f) of the Trademark Act, a mark that is primarily a surname [family name] is not registrable on the Principal […]
As expected, this past week the state of New Jersey – along with the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association – formally filed its request for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear arguments in the recently decided sports betting case. This Gaming Law issue comes on the heels of the state’s 2-1 defeat in […]
In November 2014, Bwin.party announced it was in talks with several parties, which could result in an offer for the online gaming company. On September 4, 2015, Bwin agreed to a buyout offer from GVC Holdings for $1.7 billion. However, Bwin’s acceptance of GVC’s offer is subject to scrutiny as it withdrew an accepted an offer […]
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How Brady Beat Goodell
Last week Patriots fans rejoiced as a federal judge ruled in favor of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and erased his four-game suspension. It was another blow to the top brass of the National Football League (NFL or League) who have been in hot water for their seemingly less than capable management of player infractions. This […]
This past week, it was reported that Italian soccer player, Mario Balotelli, had his drivers’ license immediately confiscated for going 25 miles over the speed limit in a residential area near his home in Brescia, Italy. While being caught driving over the speed limit may not be cause for extreme concern for some individuals, who […]
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has ruled that cheerleader uniforms are eligible for federal copyright protection. Varsity Brands, Inc., Varsity Spirit Corporation, Varsity Spirit Fashions & Supplies, Inc. sued Star Athletica, LLC alleging five counts of copyright infringement in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee […]
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. in the Northern District of Illinois. Wilson holds two patents, United States Patent No. 8,460,135 which was issued for game ball cover with improved stripes and/or logos & United States Patent No. 8,905,876 which was issued for a game […]
Russell Okung, All-Pro left tackle, made news by announcing that he had fired his agent and would be negotiating his next contract without agent representation. Okung is set to become a free agent next offseason and figures to have a long list of suitors including his current team, the Seattle Seahawks. Okung says, “I know my worth. […]
ESports, also known as competitive gaming, has gone from an industry mostly featuring amateurs to an industry with professional players and now even includes the creation and maintenance of professional teams. Professional gamers on teams may receive a salary, tournament prizes and team sponsors sometimes cover travel expenses as well as gaming hardware. On top of […]