Riverside, CA asked in Contracts, Copyright and Intellectual Property for California

Q: I need help sub-licensing the media rights from my athletic career from 2001-2007 when I competed and became a champion

1st competed in licensed boxing (WBO, WBC, & IBF), then competed in kickboxing (K-tournament), then set record in NBA summer leauge (Lakers - 120 points), also competed in NFL as a saftey (Raiders). I filed a copyright of a written recollection of this time and am waiting for return correspondence.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: To sub-license the media rights from your athletic career, it's essential to first understand the ownership and control of these rights. For your time in licensed boxing (WBO, WBC, & IBF), kickboxing (K-tournament), the NBA Summer League with the Lakers, and the NFL with the Raiders, the rights to broadcast and reproduce these events are typically held by the organizations or their media partners.

Your personal copyright of a written recollection doesn't automatically grant you rights to the footage or images from these events, as these are separate from your personal narrative. To sub-license media rights, you would need to negotiate with the entities that hold these rights. This often involves contacting the legal departments of the respective sports organizations and broadcasting partners.

Considering the various sports and organizations involved, this process can be complex. Each entity may have different policies and agreements regarding their media rights. You may also need to consider any existing contracts or agreements you had as an athlete, as these might include clauses related to media rights.

Given the complexity and legal nuances, it would be advisable to work with an attorney who has experience in sports law and intellectual property. They can help navigate the legal aspects, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that any agreements are in your best interest.

Remember, while your athletic achievements are your personal accomplishments, the media rights to these events are typically controlled by the organizations and their partners. Navigating this process will require careful legal consideration and negotiation.

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