Miscellaneous And Off Topic Subjects

[AlabamAlum]

Talent,

I am surprised you haven't brought up the Lebron James-Nick Saban spat - since IP is something that you are approaching competent at.

If you haven't heard, Saban does a filmed segment where he and various people (usually coaches and ex players) talk Bama while getting their haircut.

LeBron has something like it, too, and his attorneys sent Saban a cease and desist. Saban said (essentially) "fuck off" and mentioned that there have been a ton of filmed barber chair convos (going back to at least Andy Griffith). He upped the ante by releasing another video the day after his comments.

I have no idea who has the law on their side, but neither appear to be backing down. I just hope this doesn't distract him from another NC.

[AlabamAlum]

Here is a decent espn link on it:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/23020639/nick-saban-alabama-crimson-tide-addresses-copyright-letter-lebron-james-muldia-platform-uninterrupted

[iam416]

I'm actually more interested in LBJ's tattoo artist pursuing copyright claims against video games that reproduce LBJ with his tattoos.

As far the barbershop thing -- meh -- it's a question of fact. It's certainly possible to do different barbershop shows; it's also possible to do a direct copy.

[AlabamAlum]

Scratch my comment about "approaching competent".

[iam416]

However, none of James' businesses have a copyright or trademark associated with "The Shop," which would make this an intellectual property claim.

That statement had to be written by somehow without an ounce of understanding of IP law. You don't need to have a registered copyright or trademark. Those rights arise w/o registration (though, you do eventually need to register the copyright before you can sue someone).

The TM question doesn't even require a registered trademark to sue.

[AlabamAlum]

The SI legal guy says LBJ CAN SUCK IT!

https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/04/05/alabama-barbershop-lebron-james-uninterrupted-shop-talk

[AlabamAlum]

So, in short: Saban just did a crossover, broke LBJ's ankles, and dunked on him!

Roll Tide!

[iam416]

Yeah, the SI guy conducts a factual analysis and concludes that Alabama seems to have the stronger case.

But:

Uninterrupted can’t rightfully claim ownership of the general concept of pro athletes sitting in a barbershop talking about life. But Uninterrupted could have a viable claim if “Shop Talk” too closely resembles the unique ways “The Shop” depicts this setting. In copyright law, the execution or expression of even a common idea can gain copyright protection. The relevant legal test is whether “Shop Talk” is substantially similar to how “The Shop” depicts the barbershop scene. If so, it’s at least theoretically possible that Alabama has engaged in infringement

Or, boiled down:

it's a question of fact. It's certainly possible to do different barbershop shows; it's also possible to do a direct copy.

[iam416]

My guess is that Alabama will change some aesthetics and/or the name and resolve the issue.

[AlabamAlum]

They already changed the name.

[iam416]

Pussies.

[THE_WIZARD_]

They simply changed the name to protect the innocent...just like Dragnet...

[AlabamAlum]

LBJ was SERVED!

Saban doing a Meadowlark to James Washington Generals act.

[THE_WIZARD_]

Just be glad they weren't up against the Flint Tropics...

[Dr. Strangelove]

It was renamed "Coach Saban's Tupperware Party"