Invictus 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2004 October 19, 2004 - World Wrestling Entertainment announced today it has filed suit against a number of parties related to its licenses, including toy manufacturer Jakks Pacific and videogame publisher THQ -- long the home of hugely popular WWE-licensed games. In essence, the suit alleges that former WWE Senior Vice President of Licensing and Merchandising James Bell and licensing agent Stanley Shenker & Associates, Inc. (SSAI), received money from Jakks in order to secure videogame rights to WWE properties for a joint venture of Jakks and THQ. The suit further alleges that Bell recommended WWE make SSAI its licensing agent after Bell received payment from SSAI. The suit claims violations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO); violations of the anti-bribery provisions of the Robinson-Patman Act; as well as claims under state law. WWE is seeking damages as well as a declaration that the videogame license with the joint venture of Jakks and THQ, and a related amendment to the toy license with Jakks, are void due to commercial bribery. This could effectively mean an end to THQ's WWE-licensed titles. In a statement, WWE CEO Linda McMahon said, "We very much regret having to take this action today, but regret even more the facts and circumstances which have compelled us to do so. WWE's intellectual property is a valuable asset of the Company, and we believe the actions taken today are necessary to preserve the integrity of our licensing process and essential to ensure that WWE receives appropriate and fair compensation for the grant of a license to use our intellectual property." THQ's multi-million selling WWE-licensed games, including the much-anticipated Smackdown vs. Raw expected next month, already comprise one of the most successful videogame franchises today. What this will mean for the future of WWE-licensed games -- and, of course, THQ's involvement -- is uncertain. Of course, we'll have more on the situation very soon. Stay tuned. -- David Adams Credit: IGN GameCube I wonder what other companies are going to be interested in picking up the rights for WWE games... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Renegade 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2004 EA. Duh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewTS 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2004 Actually, WWE's only got a problem with Jakks and this isn't likely to affect their relationship with THQ in any way. http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/wwe-wrest...x/558565p1.html "THQ sent out a press release to comment on the unfolding events : THQ is committed to preserving its rights under the video-game license with the WWE. THQ believes the WWE is pleased with the manner in which THQ has managed their brand in the video-game category. As THQ is not directly accused of any wrongdoing in the complaint -- rather the complaint alleges wrongdoing on the part of JAKKS Pacific and others of which THQ was and is unaware -- THQ is not in a position to comment on these allegations. In any event, either there is no basis for terminating the video-game license, or THQ expects to be made whole by those whose conduct is eventually found to be unlawful. THQ intends to vigorously protect and pursue its rights, if necessary." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
