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.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
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
Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
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.