Text of Decision
CBC Distribution was denied a new licensing agreement with MLB’s players’ association. CDC sued them for the right to use the player profiles and statistics. U.S. District Court Judge Mary Ann Medler has concluded that “The names and playing records of major league baseball players as used in CBC’s fantasy games are not copyrightable. Therefore, federal copyright law does not pre-empt the players’ claimed right of publicity.” The MLBPA is appealing.
Sources: Sports Illustrated | L.A. Times | ars technica | New York Times | San Jose Mercury News (AP) | USA Today | BBC | Contra Costa Times | Reuters | Washington Post | PC Magazine | MLB Player’s Association Statement | IPTABlog | William Patry | Cathy Kirkman
By: Dale Dietrich