MLB trying to control Fantasy Baseball

by Ben in Va on Jun 14, 2007 5:02 PM PDT

"Attorneys representing Major League Baseball argued Thursday that online fantasy baseball companies cannot operate without paying license fees to MLB to compensate players for the use of their names" - MSNBC

Soooo...it's not enough they control most everything else. Now they want to try and control the whole fantasy arena and eke out a few more dollars.

Screw you MLB.

Come on Bud

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Didn't a court knock this down a few years ago?

by Katal LM on Jun 14, 2007 5:04 PM PDT reply actions

I think so.

I believe they are trying a different attack now.

by Ben in Va on Jun 14, 2007 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions

This is the appeal

by G_ on Jun 14, 2007 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes it is....duh.

Brain still numb from loss today.

by Ben in Va on Jun 14, 2007 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions

d'oh

of course.

by Katal LM on Jun 14, 2007 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions

I heard a few years back

That Bonds didn't want anyone using his name without paying him directly. Baseball Card companies had to pay Bonds privately to use his likeness and name on their cards.

I was playing fantasy baseball somewhere that year... and the site just called him San Francisco Left Fielder. Everyone knew who they were talking about, but they didn't have to pay him.

I suppose fantasy baseball sites could do the same sort of thing (but with the whole league.) It'd be weird, but I'm sure someone could manage it.

by johnbai on Jun 14, 2007 8:18 PM PDT reply actions

Willie = Gritty Bench Player

by Ben in Va on Jun 14, 2007 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions

There ya go

And I don't think Batista could sue us over the name "Beluga Tits". And I don't think Richie can control the use of "Big Sexy". And "Yuni-Bomber" has to be fair game. Now we just need nicknames for every other player in the entire league. Then Fantasy Baseball can give the finger to MLB and their licensure issues. Or we could just decide that MLB has a right to a cut of the money generated by Fantasy Leagues that make a profit... or we could create a Free Fantasy Baseball League (then I might start playing again!) and MLB can have 100% of the profits since there won't be any.

by johnbai on Jun 15, 2007 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions

This is why

we don't get him in baseball video games.

by bluemax on Jun 14, 2007 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I never knew that.

I wonder why more baseball players don't do that? I could definitely see Schilling or Clemens doing it.

by Ben in Va on Jun 14, 2007 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Can you do that?

I don't think you can trademark a name.

by Edgar for Pres on Jun 14, 2007 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions

It's not a trademark issue

It's that the occasional superstar opts out of the MLBPA's agreement about licensing and images, and creates their own agreement. Bonds does it, and I think Clemens either does or did.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Jun 14, 2007 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions