WWE Legal Battles

[CanadianChick 0]

I'm actually very surprised that Bubba, a guy quite familar with business, wouldn't have thought to trademark his own name.

[Guest The REAL W.C.W.]

Although I am not a "fan" of ECW per se, I did enjoy the recent ECW "invasion" of the weekly Raw Broadcast as well as the subsequent ECW One Night Stand Pay per view event. I feel that Vince McMahon is merely securing his investments, however, if additional ECW branded events are to take place, he should not burn bridges with the likes of the Dudley Boys.

 

:-William C. Wells

[Guest *KNK*]

Admittedly, I have no knowledge of the wwe's financial status...but could all this activity be a sign of some possible problems or losses in that area for Vince? This never seemed to be an issue before (Lord knows how many wwf/e characters worked indies in the past using the old characters and names) but now its lawsuits for all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

You are right that in the past, Vince usually allowed released workers to use the name they used in WWE for independent promotions.

 

However a big reason for the recent change in philosophy is likely because of the DVD market and 24/7 channel. I'm guessing WWE wants to main their properties especially with ECW, where $$$ stands to be made.

 

It could also be under-handed neogotiation ploy by WWE here. Maybe they think that by rescricting the Dudleyz of the name, Mark and Devon will give up and come back to WWE for a lesser paycheck (if you recall, they were trying to get an increase).

 

Or maybe Vince is growing paranoid and is playing to these tactics for "survival".

 

Although let's be honest, The Dudley Boyz name won't make TNA into WCW 1996.

[EdwardKnoxII 0]

Wasn't one of the reason Vince cut K-Kwiq years ago was because he wouldn't sign over the rights to his song over to the E. Or something like that.

[Guest *KNK*]

I'm actually very surprised that Bubba, a guy quite familar with business, wouldn't have thought to trademark his own name.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

This is the guy who believed Paul Heyman was telling the truth when he said "I took care of it".

 

How much business sense can one person have if they believe Paul Heyman in any situation that involves Business?

[EdwardKnoxII 0]

Question. Doesn't Rob Van Dam own the rights to his name and finisher? Just wondering.

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Admittedly, I have no knowledge of the wwe's financial status...but could all this activity be a sign of some possible problems or losses in that area for Vince? This never seemed to be an issue before (Lord knows how many wwf/e characters worked indies in the past using the old characters and names) but now its lawsuits for all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Problems inside WWE usually result in WWE looking for enemies outside the company.

[CBright7831 0]

*sues half of TSM*

[snuffbox 0]

Admittedly, I have no knowledge of the wwe's financial status...but could all this activity be a sign of some possible problems or losses in that area for Vince? This never seemed to be an issue before (Lord knows how many wwf/e characters worked indies in the past using the old characters and names) but now its lawsuits for all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Problems inside WWE usually result in WWE looking for enemies outside the company.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Do you think its finacial problems HTQ? Or a realization in dwindling interest in their product, not necessarily monetary losses?

[EdwardKnoxII 0]

Also, the WWE legal team is currently looking at the folks who put together the "Hardcore Homecoming" shows for any potential legal hole they can nail them with. There's nothing specific yet, but WWE is claiming that the shows were infringing on WWE's trademarks and intellectual properties.

 

This is what I don't get. The shows were known about months ago. Why is WWE going after them NOW after the fact instead of stoping it BEFORE the show went on.

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Admittedly, I have no knowledge of the wwe's financial status...but could all this activity be a sign of some possible problems or losses in that area for Vince? This never seemed to be an issue before (Lord knows how many wwf/e characters worked indies in the past using the old characters and names) but now its lawsuits for all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Problems inside WWE usually result in WWE looking for enemies outside the company.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Do you think its finacial problems HTQ? Or a realization in dwindling interest in their product, not necessarily monetary losses?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Financially, WWE are doing pretty well. They had their latest investors call recently, and I think business is on the up due to PPV buys and international business. WWE's problems are creative. For all the money they make, they also want to be seen as a creative success, and it just isn’t happening, and it never will happen, for all the reasons everyone knows.

[snuffbox 0]

Wouldnt allowing old workers to use their WWF/e gimmicks on indies act as something of free advertising for the 24/7, dvd, etc ventures?

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Wouldnt allowing old workers to use their WWF/e gimmicks on indies act as something of free advertising for the 24/7, dvd, etc ventures?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, but WWE want complete and total control of each and every single thing that has their name on it.

[The Ghost of bps21 0]

All I can think of is DX driving a tank up to CNN tower to show how cool WWF was and how lame WCW was when WWF was losing the war.

 

Now there is NO WAR. But there is a product that has been flat out better for months...and WWE will fear it by screwing former employees and giving Matt Hardy money just to bury him.

 

Remember when WWF was cool? Remember when that made Vince a billion dollars when they went public?

 

There's a reason that's gone now.

 

Samoa Joe, AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels are about to hit national television. Anyone who watches the Masterlock challenge the Diva Search version 3.0 and Smackdown in general instead...is just contributing to bad work.

[Nightfall 0]

Rhino can still use the name because he used to use it in the indys before ECW as Rhino Richards. And the WWE is doing fine with money, according to their quarterly conference call, the investors and stockholders are actually mad because they have a huge cash reserve doing nothing right now. Linda said they are weighing options on what to do with it. How about giving the Dudleys a raise they deserve instead of ruining their careers? And how about not letting 10-15 people go to 'cutback on expenses'?

[MillenniumMan831 0]

Also, the WWE legal team is currently looking at the folks who put together the "Hardcore Homecoming" shows for any potential legal hole they can nail them with. There's nothing specific yet, but WWE is claiming that the shows were infringing on WWE's trademarks and intellectual properties.

 

This is what I don't get. The shows were known about months ago. Why is WWE going after them NOW after the fact instead of stoping it BEFORE the show went on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

They have upcoming shows in Pittsburgh and Cleveland coming up in a week or so.

[Guest MikeSC]

Also, the WWE legal team is currently looking at the folks who put together the "Hardcore Homecoming" shows for any potential legal hole they can nail them with. There's nothing specific yet, but WWE is claiming that the shows were infringing on WWE's trademarks and intellectual properties.

 

This is what I don't get. The shows were known about months ago. Why is WWE going after them NOW after the fact instead of stoping it BEFORE the show went on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, for the cynical version, it's easier to get money out of a group AFTER they do a show that might violate copyrights.

[KTID 0]

Question. Doesn't Rob Van Dam own the rights to his name and finisher? Just wondering.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

As far as I know. After all, he's not an idiot.

[Papacita 0]

On Rhino, IIRC his name's already been copyrighted by Marvel, hence WWE's adding the "y" after he joined.

[cameron chaos 0]

Pretty shitty of WWE to do this. You think Torrie would at least be able to get her husband the right to use his stage name. I guess when the WWE gets low on revenue (they are still profitable but not nearly on the level they were a few years ago) they get spiteful. Then again, the billonaire Ted, Nacho Man and Huck Hogan skits proved that long ago.

[Fökai 0]

They are protecting their investment. It's a step towards pursuing a complete monopoly of the stuff they already own, which I guess is seen as bad. Usually, when a group or individual doesn't own something (example being Shane Douglas who's deluded enough to believe that he has the rights to ECW), they...you know...can't use it.

 

Just because the WWE began exercising the rights doesn't make them the bad guy. This is a corporate move, plain and simple. They don't get revenue from going after the Kidmans and Dudleys of the world because of the tradmarks. The only option for the wrestlers are to cease and desist, not to pay a fine or something.

 

EDIT: Maybe I'm just blinded by my hate for Shane Douglas, who just wants to capitalize off of the ECW name.

[Guest MrBriggs]

Also, the WWE legal team is currently looking at the folks who put together the "Hardcore Homecoming" shows for any potential legal hole they can nail them with. There's nothing specific yet, but WWE is claiming that the shows were infringing on WWE's trademarks and intellectual properties.

 

This is what I don't get. The shows were known about months ago. Why is WWE going after them NOW after the fact instead of stoping it BEFORE the show went on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Because you can't sue someone for what they don't have. There's no money or fun in legally stopping the production before it gets underway. It's better to cripple your enemies by letting them invest their time, heart and money in their project before smashing it open like a piggybank and plucking out what you will.

 

EDIT: Agreed about Shane, not sure what makes him think he has the right to run the shows in the first place.

[gwf0704 0]

Vince Mcmahon is rather paranoid I gather.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

It's just good and smart business not to allow them(TNA specifically) to make money off their property.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

That doesn't make Vince any less of a rotten cocksucker. People damn near kill themselves for his company and then he shits on them like they're garbage. He didn't create the gimmick, he shouldn't own the gimmick, and he's a peice of shit for stealing what doesn't belong from him.

 

I agree that it's a better for his wallet, but fucking ETHICS should fit into the picture somewhere.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

He should own the gimmick because he is the one who owns the property that the Dudley Boys were founded upon.

 

The wrestlers know what they are giving up when they sign the contract. They hand over any rights to that name and know that they can't use the name unless it's their legal name in other promotions unless they have been granted permission.

 

I don't think it's fair that Vince resorts to doing this but it's a perfectly acceptable business move to perserve their copyrights.

 

Why should TNA be allowed to promote off Vince McMahon's empire? Maybe TNA and Dudleyz should look at this as a blessing.

 

A chance for TAFKADB to reinvent themselfs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Nevermind.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I dont understand what you mean by the phrase "they were founded upon". Do you mean financially? Because technically, since Raven did come up with the name it legally belonged to him. Too bad he didnt do a Pat Riley and trademark the name when he invented it, but I guess he was just trying to help out some fellow wrestlers make names for themselves and decided not to screw them over.

[SamoaRowe 0]

This just makes me think about how on the Monday Night War dvd, Vince McMahon goes on a speech about how it's his "philosophy" to "help yourself, and not hurt others."

 

It was already an extremely hilarious statement as it was, but now it's just even more ironic.

[GreatWhiteNope 0]

Also, the WWE legal team is currently looking at the folks who put together the "Hardcore Homecoming" shows for any potential legal hole they can nail them with. There's nothing specific yet, but WWE is claiming that the shows were infringing on WWE's trademarks and intellectual properties.

 

This is what I don't get. The shows were known about months ago. Why is WWE going after them NOW after the fact instead of stoping it BEFORE the show went on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

They have upcoming shows in Pittsburgh and Cleveland coming up in a week or so.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

and Buffalo

[Carnival 0]

Vince is shitting his pants cuz TNA is gaining some ground. Although TNA hasn't done much, it's a start and Vince is scared it's the start of something big. He's just trying to cut the legs out from under TNA before they can really get going.

 

I would be afraid too if I had a boring product and something new and exciting came along.

[Guest Biggles]

Fans may not like it, wrestlers may not like it, but what WWE is doing is smart business. Why would WWE want to give any indy fed any advantage whatsoever. Yes, it’s greed, but it’s business. My theory is that if TNA and other feds could do what the WWE did, they will. In the business world there is no such thing as compassion or fair play. People would be naïve to think Vince should do what is best for the entire wrestling business; he is only interested in doing what is best for his business, and I would, too.

[SamoaRowe 0]

Yes, but it's silly to think that any indy that holds shows a couple times per month in front of crowds that are almost always less than a couple hundred people is really going to threaten WWE.

[GreatWhiteNope 0]

http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=12914&p=1

 

THE LATEST PERSON TO GET A LEGAL COMMUNICATION FROM WWE

 

Here's today's "WWE legal long arm of the law" story.  They have sent a legal letter to the owner of www.BigVanVader.com, saying that Leon White (Vader) has given them the right to legal use the name (he recently signed a Legends contract with the company).  They want the site owner to transfer the domain to them, despite the fact that he runs it as a fan site and has done so at a financial loss, because it's now their property.  While it is in their legal right to do so, I would assume, it seems to me that they have much more important issues to deal with than keeping someone who is losing money on a fan site from paying tribute to his favorite wrestler. 

 

http://www.bigvanvader.com/news.htm

 

Dear Mr. Cooper:

 

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (“WWE”) has the right to use the Vader, Van Vader, and Big Van Vader trademarks, which are owned by Mr. Leon White.

 

Your registration of the internet domain name WWW.BIGVANVADER.COM  (the "Domain Name") violates WWE’s and Leon White’s trademark rights, constitutes unfair competition, intentional trademark infringement, trademark dilution and false designation of origin.  The act of registering the domain name WWW.BIGVANVADER.COM will cause confusion and misdirect customers, and which is likely a breach of your domain name registration agreement.  The registration of the Domain Name is unlawful and is a violation of the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act.  The damages for which you can be liable as a result of such actions can be found at http://www.gigalaw.com/library/anticybersq...9-11-29-p4.html.  Additionally, if you do try to transfer this domain name to a third party via auction site or any other means, you will also likely be in breach of any transfer agreement.

 

WWE and Leon White have several options as far as enforcing their legal rights.  We can submit the matter to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers to be resolved under its Uniform Domain Name Resolution Policy (the "Policy") and seek a ruling that the Domain Name be transferred to WWE. 

 

Second, we can file a lawsuit against you, seeking: (i) preliminary and permanent injunctions, (ii) money damages, (iii) compensation equal to your profits, (iv) reimbursement for attorney's fees (because of your blatant and intentional acts), and (v) a court order that you transfer the Domain Name to Mr. Leon White.

 

At this moment, we prefer to resolve this particular matter without taking legal action, but we are prepared to do so if necessary to protect our rights and business.  Therefore, we demand that you transfer the domain name WWW.BIGVANVADER.COM to Mr. Leon White.   

 

If you do not comply with WWE's demands, WWE and Leon White may be forced to take further legal action.  This letter is sent without prejudice to WWE's and Leon White’s rights and claims, all of which are expressly reserved.

 

We look forward to your prompt cooperation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Stacy L. Papachristos, Esq.

 

That's terrible.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

I like Kidman, but is any indy fed really going to profit greatly by advertising Kidman for their show? Or TNA, for that matter?

 

The Dudleyz I could see, but it seems kind of a waste of time to lock down the "Billy Kidman" name.