|
Post by scorpion42 on Jun 29, 2009 13:28:17 GMT -7
US Supreme Court to hear NFL anti-trust case 2 hours, 53 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The National Football League and one of its former souvenir cap manufacturers will argue before the US Supreme Court late this year or early in 2010 over the league's exclusive licensing deals.
The highest US court agreed on Monday to decide the case involving the 32-team NFL and American Needle Incorporated, which is challenging the NFL's exclusive deal with Reebok for making team jerseys and other team apparel.
NFL caps and similar souvenir hats were made by several firms, including American Needle, before the NFL made a deal in 2001 with Reebok, now run by the German firm Adidas.
The NFL won a federal appeals court verdict in Chicago but wants the Supreme Court to issue a broader finding to reduce the chances of similar lawsuits.
At issue is whether or not the NFL is able to make deals as a league or is really 32 businesses that must act under anti-trust regulations.
The National Basketball Association and National Hockey League have filed motions siding with the NFL, fearing a ruling against the gridiron group could spell trouble for similar exclusive deals in their sports.
Major League Baseball has had an anti-trust exemption for 87 years.
|
|