Madden License in Jeopardy? US Supreme Court could decide. - RaychelSnr's Blog

Arena Blog Dynasty Scores Sign Up ☰

RaychelSnr's Blog

Madden License in Jeopardy? US Supreme Court could decide. Stuck

Posted on January 15, 2010 at 11:52 AM.

(9)

D-Day is quickly approaching for the NFL and indirectly, the Madden NFL Football exclusive agreement.

Sure, you may not remember the case (or maybe you do), but the US Supreme Court will now see it and it will likely have vast implications throughout sports gaming. In case you missed it, American Needle is still suing the NFL for what it deems an unfair exclusive agreement the NFL made which cut into American Needle's business of making NFL headwear.

And while the case has made it to the Supreme Court, Slate reports the case is likely to be sent back to the district courts to get the details ironed out and retried. So don't get excited yet.

It almost appears the NFL wants to go the route of the MLB, with a broad anti-trust exemption. But as of right now, that doesn't seem to be in the offing just yet. So if and when this case is resolved, it could have broad impacts for video game licenses everywhere (sans MLB) if American Needle is ruled the winner.

However, it's worth noting neither the Trial Court nor the 7th District Court of Appeals sided with American Needle. So given another go around, will things be different? The answer is about as clear as mud, but the case will certainly be worth watching for it's potential indirect effects on sports gaming.

Comments

# 1 CYST2000 @ Jan 15

It's a right, not just for Americans, but also for American companies too make exclusive deals with whomever they want. I for one hate the deal, but know that if you go after the NFL, and we all complained they would listen. We either need to stop buying Madden or write to the NFL, and voicing our concern. Exclusive rights can suck, but I hate when companies are sued for trying to make their company work.

# 2 bigsmallwood @ Jan 15

Unfortunately, both wirters before me are absolutely correct. As much as I would love there to be multiple NFL games out, the Government cannot force a company to give up their exclusive contracts....BUT I am hoping in this case there is an exception!

# 3 kjcheezhead @ Jan 16

I disagree. The NFL logos provide too much of a competitive edge to companies like Reebok and EA. Multiple companies used to sell hats at $20 bucks and then Reebok gets exclusive and sells the same hat for $30 once all competition is gone, that is a problem and the Supreme Court at least seems to give the impression that they agree.

# 4 deaduck @ Jan 17

kjcheezhead ...The Supreme Court sent the case back down. Not exactly an "impression" that they would over rule two previous rulling in the case.

# 5 BlackRome @ Jan 17

Unfortunately the top three guys are wrong. Exclusive deals eliminate competition and choices. Capitalism can not exist without competition. Starter and Russell have basically been locked out of the NFL market.

Good for Rebook but everybody else is screwed and have no chance to compete.

kjcheezheadIs right when using the analogy of hats. What about those who don't like Reebok products.

As you all stated you as a consumer don't like it.

Let's say you were a designer and designed a NFL team jacket.

You could only sell that to Rebook since they have the deal.

You can not create competition for your own design because there is only one person that could use it. Do you think they will lowball you.

It's amazing how people put themselves in the corporations shoes even though it's damaging to there own entity.

You guys complained that it would be better for you to have more options to play games yet you sided with the corporation.

# 6 deaduck @ Jan 18

"Let's say you were a designer and designed a NFL team jacket.

You could only sell that to Rebook since they have the deal.

You can not create competition for your own design because there is only one person that could use it. Do you think they will lowball you. "

You're not going to be a professional designer for long if you keep working on stuff nobody hired you to do in the first place.

# 7 videlsports @ Jan 19

I hate the deal from an EA and NFL Standpoint, but you should not have to be forced to allow mulitiple developers or companies to make your product. But given the Eco-crisis, Competion creates more revenue and Jobs, If done correctly.Now Having said that, as a FAN I HOPE EA LOSES.

# 8 tabulaRasa @ Jan 19

Horray if true! I bought Madden after years of boycott, thought to myself that WTF, the playoffs are fun and I want to play football on my 360. But boy that game is stiff. So cool things, but both sound and animations (not counting tackles) are stiff. I hate the exclusive deal. Hope this is the end of such craptacular deals, and for any sport.