"Likeness/Copyright/etc."

**Pepsi Man** · 04-09-2005, 03:44 AM

This is a question that I doubt anyone here can honestly accurately answer, but I figure, "What the hell?"

Anyway, this came up in a discussion I had with someone earlier in the day. The way contracts are typically worded in wrestling, and the WWE in particular, what would happen here?

If a wrestler's WWE name wasn't copyrighted by the WWE or if it was that person's real name and that person left the company, is it not only possible, but likely, that the said wrestler could force the WWE never to show any old footage that contained him or her?

I'm just finding it highly unlikely considering the amount of guys that have left on less than amicable terms with Vince and still had footage of them shown long after they were out of the WWF/E, even while they were with WCW. Hell, between WCW and the WWF, they'd constantly show footage of guys from the other organization from when they were with their respective organization jobbing. I'm just wondering if anyone knows for sure.

**Lamuella** · 04-09-2005, 10:58 AM

as far as I know, it's impossible.

Their name is not a WWE trademark, but the FOOTAGE is the property of WWE. WWE has a legal right to show anything they recorded unless they violate a trademark.

By agreeing to appear on the show, the performer agreed to have the show recorded for broadcast and later usage. WWE owns the rights to the show and the rights to the broadcast. The performer was paid a fee for this usage.

**Pepsi Man** · 04-09-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lamuella

as far as I know, it's impossible.

Their name is not a WWE trademark, but the FOOTAGE is the property of WWE. WWE has a legal right to show anything they recorded unless they violate a trademark.

By agreeing to appear on the show, the performer agreed to have the show recorded for broadcast and later usage. WWE owns the rights to the show and the rights to the broadcast. The performer was paid a fee for this usage.

That's the impression I was under. I guess if I'm wrong then I'm not alone.

**Iceman90** · 04-10-2005, 06:26 AM

I believe the wrestlers would have to buy the video footage seperatly.

Such as what Bret Hart tried a while back.

04-09-2005, 03:44 AM	#1
Pepsi Man Posts: 15,983	"Likeness/Copyright/etc." This is a question that I doubt anyone here can honestly accurately answer, but I figure, "What the hell?" Anyway, this came up in a discussion I had with someone earlier in the day. The way contracts are typically worded in wrestling, and the WWE in particular, what would happen here? If a wrestler's WWE name wasn't copyrighted by the WWE or if it was that person's real name and that person left the company, is it not only possible, but likely, that the said wrestler could force the WWE never to show any old footage that contained him or her? I'm just finding it highly unlikely considering the amount of guys that have left on less than amicable terms with Vince and still had footage of them shown long after they were out of the WWF/E, even while they were with WCW. Hell, between WCW and the WWF, they'd constantly show footage of guys from the other organization from when they were with their respective organization jobbing. I'm just wondering if anyone knows for sure.

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04-09-2005, 10:58 AM	#2
Lamuella Forum Happy Cat Posts: 7,884	as far as I know, it's impossible. Their name is not a WWE trademark, but the FOOTAGE is the property of WWE. WWE has a legal right to show anything they recorded unless they violate a trademark. By agreeing to appear on the show, the performer agreed to have the show recorded for broadcast and later usage. WWE owns the rights to the show and the rights to the broadcast. The performer was paid a fee for this usage.

04-10-2005, 06:26 AM	#4
Iceman90 Posts: 433	I believe the wrestlers would have to buy the video footage seperatly. Such as what Bret Hart tried a while back.