The World Federation of Poker addresses a commercial issue affecting the world's top stars
Image rights issues have been a part of the commercial sporting landscape for a good while now, just ask global superstars Tiger Woods, David Beckham, Roger Federer and before them Michael Jordan.
And while you’re at it ask the legions of Jerry Magwire-style sports agents and management companies that are employed to identify and negotiate such rights.
While salaries and prize money won at tournaments pay the bills, the big money is in lucrative product endorsements, and the use of the individual’s image to sell anything from trainers to razors to cars. And it’s no different in poker.
Off the back of Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson’s recent refusal to sign a World Poker Tour (WPT) release at a $15,000 buy-in tournament at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the World Federation of Poker (WFP) has issued a statement that attempts to address the issue.
The incident revolved around the fact that a signed release would have allowed the WPT to use Ferguson’s image not only for the specific TV programme, but also for ‘ancillary products’. The big man had his lawyer with him and declined to sign, as he has existing contracts to represent certain products.
The WFP has sought to clarify exactly where players’ images will be used after signing TV releases, and advises players to review and amend documents so that they relate solely to the telecast, and promotion for that telecast.
The WFP is a regulatory body supported by some of the world’s top players such as Annie Duke, Greg Raymer, Marcel Luske and Clonie Gowen.
Their statement reads: “There have been instances where companies have used these filming releases to justify using a poker player’s image in commercial ventures other than the televised event, such as a poker video game, without compensating the players whose appearances they use.”
“This is a clear abuse of the rights given by poker players who signed those filming releases in order to participate in the event, but never intended to give away the use of their images, without any compensation, for ventures other than the televised event itself.”
“The WFP will sanction only those events where filming releases for tournament players are narrowly defined to telecast and promotional rights for that telecast, and where there are no other commercial or uncompensated usages of a player’s image. If an event wants to use a poker player to promote another venture, we encourage them to sign a separate release which spells out those usage and compensation terms.”
The World Federation of Poker is a not-for-profit (status pending) member-based organisation, founded by poker professionals, and dedicated to advancing fair and honest international poker. competition.
