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Antitrust Intellectual Property NCAA Violations

Part 2, Marshall v. ESPN: Former Student-Athletes Claim Violation of Sherman Antitrust Act (filed 10/3/14)

Last week I wrote an article describing Marshall v. ESPN (see the Complaint here), the latest federal class-action lawsuit in which college athletes are seeking damages against the broadcasting firms, college athletic conferences, and licensing firms they allege violated their rights of publicity. Now I will analyze the fourth cause of action of the lawsuit, […]

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NCAA Violations Uncategorized

NCAA To Drop Women’s Equestrian As Emerging Sport in 2017

An NCAA emerging sport is defined as: “A women’s sport recognized by the NCAA that is intended to help schools provide more athletics opportunities for women, more sport sponsorship options for institutions and help that sport achieve NCAA championship status.” Unfortunately, beginning in 2017, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics (“CWA”) has recommended the NCAA […]

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Contractual Issues Intellectual Property NCAA Violations

Former Student-Athletes File Lawsuit To Protect Their Rights of Publicity: Recap of Marshall v. ESPN (filed 10/3/14)

Ten former college football and basketball players, mostly residents of Tennessee, filed a class action lawsuit on October 3, 2014 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division. The plaintiff athletes, having played football and/or basketball for Vanderbilt University and The University of Tennessee, among other schools, seek to […]

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Antitrust Intellectual Property NCAA Violations Uncategorized

Big Changes Ahead for NCAA: Autonomy for Big 5 Conferences

In August of this year, the NCAA Board of Directors approved more autonomy for the Big 5 Conferences in a 16-2 vote. The Big 5, consisting of the SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and PAC 12, now has the power to change the landscape of collegiate athletics. These conferences have the ability to vote on and enact new rules […]

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Entertainment Law

Ultra Records Releases Preview Of A&G’s ‘Run With Me’

HEITNER LEGAL is very excited for its client A&G, who have had a preview of their forthcoming song “Run With Me” released as a teaser by Ultra Records.  The track was produced by Northmark and includes vocals from Gabrielle Ross.  HEITNER LEGAL successfully negotiated the contracts between A&G and the producer as well as A&G […]

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Sports Law

Looking At Appealing Denial Of NFLPA Contract Advisor Certification

The mandatory seminar and exam for those attempting to fulfill their childhood dreams of becoming a National Football League Players’ Association (NFLPA) Contract Advisor – more commonly known as an NFL player agent – was held on July 24-25. Now, roughly eight weeks later, many hopefuls are beginning to learn whether or not they achieved […]

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Contracts Sports Law

Morals Clauses: Who’s The Judge?

Companies take on an extreme amount of risk when contracting with professional athletes and/or celebrities to endorse their products. As soon as both sides are able to come to a mutual understanding regarding the terms and conditions that will be contained in the agreement, the athlete immediately becomes a spokesperson serving as one of the […]

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Intellectual Property

The Benefits Of Intellectual Property Holding Companies

In the eyes of the law, a properly formed and maintained limited liability business structure is a separate entity or “person” from its owners and employees[1]. This legal benefit allows for the limited liability of individuals who seek to invest, start up, or become a part of the business structure. Consequently, in the event the […]

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Sports Law Trademarks

Johnny Trademark

Johnny Manziel, also known as “Johnny Football,” has not yet taken a National Football League regular season snap.  However, that has not stopped the Heisman Trophy winner from filing applications in an effort to seek federal trademark protection over a variety of phrases.  Of course, “Johnny Football” is one of the many phrases that Manziel […]

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Contracts Sports Law

Cole Seely Signs With American Honda

American Honda Motor Corp., Inc. announced that it has signed Cole Seely to its factory supercross/motocross team with a multiyear contract. As a member of the Troy Lee Designs Honda satellite squad, Seely this year finished a close second in the AMA Supercross series 250 West title chase and also performed well during three appearances […]