Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
O'Bannon Likeness Lawsuit Prompts NCAA to Drop EA Sports Partnership
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: July 22, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The National Collegiate Athletic Association has announced its plans to sever ties with video game maker EA Sports, largely in response to the ongoing likeness lawsuit it is fighting that was started by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon.
The athletic conference is currently embroiled in a lengthy and costly legal battle with O’Bannon and several former players who are suing it and EA for using their likenesses without permission and without compensating them.
Although EA Sports has already paid out roughly $27 million in a class-action suit to resolve the sports law issue, litigation costs for the NCAA continue to mount as it disputes the allegations.
“We are confident in our legal position regarding the use of our trademarks in video games,” the NCAA said in a statement. “But given the current business climate and costs of litigation, we determined participating in this game is not in the best interests of the NCAA.”
Some analysts suggest that although the conference has taken a confident position, its decision to scale its relationships may indicate that it is preparing for the worst-case scenario, according to ESPN.com. Should the NCAA lose its case, it may be required to give players a cut of the billions of dollars it has made from sports broadcasts, athletic gear and equipment, memorabilia, and video games.
Further, the case may set the precedent for future sports law issues involving the use of players’ likenesses.
The NCAA’s current contract with EA Sports is set to expire in June 2014, which will make the last time the game maker can use the conference’s logo and name in its gaming series. As a result, “NCAA Football 2014” will be the final edition of the popular video game series, although EA Sports notes that it plans to continue producing video games under another name.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
Author: Ronald S. Bienstock
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
Author: Patrick T. Conlon
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
O'Bannon Likeness Lawsuit Prompts NCAA to Drop EA Sports Partnership
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The National Collegiate Athletic Association has announced its plans to sever ties with video game maker EA Sports, largely in response to the ongoing likeness lawsuit it is fighting that was started by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon.
The athletic conference is currently embroiled in a lengthy and costly legal battle with O’Bannon and several former players who are suing it and EA for using their likenesses without permission and without compensating them.
Although EA Sports has already paid out roughly $27 million in a class-action suit to resolve the sports law issue, litigation costs for the NCAA continue to mount as it disputes the allegations.
“We are confident in our legal position regarding the use of our trademarks in video games,” the NCAA said in a statement. “But given the current business climate and costs of litigation, we determined participating in this game is not in the best interests of the NCAA.”
Some analysts suggest that although the conference has taken a confident position, its decision to scale its relationships may indicate that it is preparing for the worst-case scenario, according to ESPN.com. Should the NCAA lose its case, it may be required to give players a cut of the billions of dollars it has made from sports broadcasts, athletic gear and equipment, memorabilia, and video games.
Further, the case may set the precedent for future sports law issues involving the use of players’ likenesses.
The NCAA’s current contract with EA Sports is set to expire in June 2014, which will make the last time the game maker can use the conference’s logo and name in its gaming series. As a result, “NCAA Football 2014” will be the final edition of the popular video game series, although EA Sports notes that it plans to continue producing video games under another name.