NCAA / E.A. Sports Likenesses Lawsuit Moves Forward

Free speech – at least in the world of video games – took a hit Wednesday in the ongoing battle regarding player likenesses. A circuit court of appeals rejected game manufacturer Electronic Arts’ claim that its use of player likenesses in its football game is protected by the First Amendment in a lawsuit brought by former ASU and Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller. The move is seen as significant in the case going forward, at least as it applies to a Keller’s suit brought against EA and the NCAA. The Keller and more-recognized O’Bannon lawsuits were originally separate cases but were consolidated together. Keller’s was filed first in 2009. He maintained that EA uses player likenesses without permission.

 

 

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