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NABC sues HDNet
By Zach Arnold | April 24, 2008
Press release
NABC Sues Mark Cuban’s HDNet For Theft
Eight count suit alleges HDNet’s unifying mixed martial arts organization, “HDNet Fights” is the work product of the NABC.
Indianapolis, IN April 25, 2008 — “HDNet Fights”, the unifying mixed martial arts organization televised onMark Cuban’s HDNet cable channel, should cease operations immediately because it was born out of a breach of trust, misappropriation of trade secrets, and other harmful actions on the part of HDNet, the North American Boxing Council (NABC) said in a lawsuit filed March 17th in the Marion Superior Court in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The eight count suit seeks to restore the rights ofthe NABC to its proprietary business and marketin gmodel for a unifying mixed martial arts organization, and to recover damages for the ongoing illegal torts committed by HDNet.
The complaint states the NABC’s confidential proposal for a unifying mixed martial arts organization was made to HDNet in January 2007. In response to the proposal, HDNet taped two NABC mixed martial arts TV events in Indianapolis in May 2007. HDNet began broadcasting the NABC mixed martial arts events in June 2007 and subsequently placed the events inregular rotation on the HDNet schedule. In August 2007, HDNet advised the NABC it had rejected the NABC’s proposal. However, that same month, HDNet secretly incorporated its own mixed martial arts organization, “HDNet Fights Inc”. HDNet proceeded to introduce “HDNet Fights” to the public beginning with press statements in September 2007 as a unique unifying mixed martial arts organization falsely representing it as the original product of HDNet.
The suit seeks to recover damages as determined by ajury trial.
Peter French of Lewis & Kappes, an Indianapolis lawfirm, serves as counsel for the NABC. To view the lawsuit, go here:
Contact: Lewis & Kappes
Peter S. French
(317) 639-1210
http://lewis-kappes.com
About the NABC: The North American Boxing Council is a professional Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts sanctioning body with its United States office in Indianapolis, Indiana.
NABC boxing championship bouts have been televised on HBO Boxing, ESPN and FOX Sports. Boxers who have fought for the NABC belt include Evander Holyfield, Félix Trinidad, Larry Donald, Ricardo Mayorga, Stevie Johnston, Joshua Clottey, Ian Gardner, and Damian Fuller. Promoters who have held NABC contests include Don King, Gary Shaw, Fred Berns, and Lou Duva.
NABC mixed martial arts championship matches have been televised on cable and pay per view.
Topics: Boxing, HDNet, Media, MMA, Zach Arnold | 4 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
Seems like they don’t actually want it to stop, they just want a cut.
I didn’t really expect this turn of events though.
Especially since I’m not sure there’s anything to get a cut of.
Yes, but when money is concerned, people grow brains.
Clearly another slow news day when you have to use a press release written by someone who apparently doesn’t know how to use the space bar properly.
I’m not sure what the cause of action is. You can’t copyright an idea, no less one that is as nebulous as just forming an MMA org. Doesn’t sound like the plaintiffs have a leg to stand on.