The Fantasy Sports industry is a billion dollar industry, and a court case between Major League Baseball against CBC Distribution and Marketing Inc of St. Louis could set a precedent that will put a dent in the sports competitions. Once again, the rights to the names of players, and their stats are basis of an intellectual property suit, and Major League Baseball believes that Fantasy Baseball Leagues should pay licensing rights for the use of Players Names, Teams, and Stats. CBC has already won 2 lower court cases, that is why MLB is appealing it to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Major companies already pay a licensing fee, but its the smaller companies that will be hurt. Remember when Major League Sports went after Bar owners....we all know what happened to them. If you want public performance rights- You Pay. The outcome will affect millions in all Fantasy Sports Leagues.
Fox News- MLB Taking Fantasy Baseball League to the Supreme Court!
Jonathan Bentz wrote a great article in Fantasy Baseball Dugout about fantasy baseball and the pending legal action with Major League Baseball.
Posted by: Fantasy Baseball Dugout | May 31, 2008 at 11:45 AM