Jack Nicklaus has been involved in an interesting legal battle for a long time, which probably not all golf fans know about. The icon of this sport won this battle, and will have the freedom to use his own name, pictures and image.
Joel Cohen, the judge, ruled in favor of the golf icon, arguing that Jack had never contracted exclusive rights to license his name and likeness with the Nicklaus Companies.
It is also known that the 85-year-old owned the company GBI Investors, which was in charge of licensing, until it was sold in 2007, after which Nicklaus Companies was founded.
The famous golfer was part of that company, having signed non-compete agreements. However, the court found that such contracts did not limit his right to use his own name for personal business projects.
Cohen found that there was no evidence that the golf legend had ever granted GBI or the Nicklaus Companies exclusive rights that would have prohibited him from using the name for his own projects.
Nicklaus’ lead attorney gives his explanation
Jack’s lead attorney, Eugene E. Stearns, said in a statement that they are delighted with the outcome of this case and happy that justice has been served. He explained that Nicklaus had absolute rights and freedom to use his name and image in business.
“The Court explicitly ruled that Mr. Nicklaus owns his name, image, and likeness rights and may license the use of those rights to third-parties in connection with the design of golf courses, endorsements, and other commercial purposes. The Court appropriately recognized the distinction between name, image, and likeness rights and trademarks, and it also correctly determined that Mr. Nicklaus is free to use his name, image, and likeness rights in his business ‘as he sees fit.’ He is only restricted from using certain Company-owned trademarks in a trademark sense, which he has never had any intention of doing in connection with his business or otherwise.”- Stearns said.
The legend of this sport achieved an important victory, and surely he removed the stone from his heart after a fight that lasted for a long time. In addition to being a winner on golf courses, Jack has shown that he is a winner in other fields as well.
