Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

[roadman]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Cmon you know why they arent suing EA for NBA live and it's the same reason that this whole thing is bogus. There's no money in suing NBA live, that's it, bottom line. They are going after 2k because it sold a million copies ( I have no idea exactly how many but it's a lot) and not EA because it sold 10 thousand (i haver no idea exactly how many but it's not a lot) if you had some actual concern for your "art" you'd Sue EA on principle. Nope it's a money grab.

You don't go after NBA Live, you go after EA Sports or EA the company.

Just like these artists are going after Visual Concepts and Take-Two Software.

[I Djm]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

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[NINJAK2]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

The more I think about this the more pissed off I get man. I read their intro settlement letter to 2k and it sounded laughable imo. I'm sure legally they may have a point but that letter just made it sound like these 8 tattoos were pivotal to this game's success. They mentioned that his tattoos appear prominently on the cover of 2k14 but wasn't that a photo of LeBron and not a videogame created image of him? Once LBJ gets a tat do those artists now OWN a portion of his body where his tat is? Does LBJ have to ask permission from them to do a photo spread with ESPN, SI, etc. or anything else where that tat may be displayed? This just sounds flat out wrong to me. They are marketing LeBron the man, not his Tats. IMO this lawsuit may be bad press for the company that's filing the claim as well. If I'm a pro athlete, actor/actress, etc I would have second thoughts about getting any work done by Solid Oaks or any artists that have had dealings with them. Famous athletes have to worry about shady agents and attorneys, friends or associates who try to get over on them. Now they have to worry about tat artists that they already paid $100's if not $1000's of bucks to for services rendered trying to make even more money off THEIR CUSTOMER'S celebrity and success...

[CujoMatty]

You don't go after NBA Live, you go after EA Sports or EA the company.

Just like these artists are going after Visual Concepts and Take-Two Software.

Ya I said they aren't suing EA because of NBA live. I know it's EA they would go after. Read the OP though. They are basing the 1.1 million off of sales of NBA 2k not take two or visual concepts. Sooooooo you'd Sue EA off of sales of NBA live which is next to nothing hence pointless, hence money grab.

[roadman]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Ya I said they aren't suing EA because of NBA live. I know it's EA they would go after. Read the OP though. They are basing the 1.1 million off of sales of NBA 2k not take two or visual concepts. Sooooooo you'd Sue EA off of sales of NBA live which is next to nothing hence pointless, hence money grab.

I get your point and agree, I'm just saying the money still comes from corporate any way you look at it.

Plus, who knows if they are coming after Live and EA too. Heck, it was 9 years before the tattoo artist came after Ricky Williams and EA.

[coolcras7]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Ya I said they aren't suing EA because of NBA live. I know it's EA they would go after. Read the OP though. They are basing the 1.1 million off of sales of NBA 2k not take two or visual concepts. Sooooooo you'd Sue EA off of sales of NBA live which is next to nothing hence pointless, hence money grab.

I am sorry but some of these tattoo artist need to get their as kicked, read in the article the guy who did Tyson tattoo wanted to be payed because tyson appearance in the hangover, so now they own the rights to what a individual can do or be seen on.

[24ct]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Are we even sure NBA live didn't get permission tho? If you look at their tattoos they have real artists work in their in game tattoo shop. You guys are merely speculating they didn't ask the actual tattoo owners. Maybe they asked LeBron & Kobes tattoo guys because of Madden? Maybe they're being sued by them too or they've been contacted and it just isn't big news?

Obviously it's a money grab but suing ppl is usually because of monetary issues. So yeah it's about money but it's still their right to sue for their property. Same with the player likeness in NCAA games. I see nothing wrong with them suing for money.

And about the Tyson tattoo I thought they just wanted the money for them recreating the tattoo on another actor. That makes sense. If they wanted money for Tyson being in the film that's pretty ludicrous lol. I don't see how they would win that.

[BA2929]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Note to people getting tats in the future:


Figure out the rights to your tattoo designs in advance, either a license or you're given full ownership. Some artists will probably just hand it over to you for free, especially if you're a nobody like me.

Get it in writing. Even if you're getting it from your friend and you drew it. Granted, if it's a tat of Super Mario you're out of luck, but if it's an original work then get the rights. If the artist you choose doesn't want to do it, find another.

It's easier to pay a licensing fee to your artist than deal with crap like this. Especially if you start going on TV or appearing in visual work like ads.

[jeremym480]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

I am sorry but some of these tattoo artist need to get their as kicked, read in the article the guy who did Tyson tattoo wanted to be payed because tyson appearance in the hangover, so now they own the rights to what a individual can do or be seen on.

I haven't read the article, but I'm pretty sure the guy who didn't Tyson's tattoo didn't sue because Tyson appeared in The Hangover. He sued because the tattoo he created was used on Ed Helms' character.

[iReP PHiLLY]

Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

I agree the artists have rights to their work in certain situations and if Lebron basically did the "copy and paste" thing through a website then there is a argument but if he designed it himself then......[emoji848]where is the argument? I honestly only care about the integrity of the the game, realism etc. If these artists feel that entitled then they shouldn't tatt superstar athletes knowing what their occupation is. So what is 2k supposed to do put every artist in the credits so they can get credit? Ctfu this is crazy. Like I said before I could care less about this honestly but it effects a game I enjoy so I'm just voicing my opinion.

Fun topic tho.

Another thing: To me the athletes should go in these tattoo shops with a contract for the artists that says look "this is what I do and this tattoo will be used in many different ways and seen by many different people" that to me is the only way to avoid this BS because regardless of whatever, it is exactly that...BS!
Shot from my 6s Plus[emoji1605]

[NINJAK2]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Are we even sure NBA live didn't get permission tho? If you look at their tattoos they have real artists work in their in game tattoo shop. You guys are merely speculating they didn't ask the actual tattoo owners. Maybe they asked LeBron & Kobes tattoo guys because of Madden? Maybe they're being sued by them too or they've been contacted and it just isn't big news?

Obviously it's a money grab but suing ppl is usually because of monetary issues. So yeah it's about money but it's still their right to sue for their property. Same with the player likeness in NCAA games. I see nothing wrong with them suing for money.

And about the Tyson tattoo I thought they just wanted the money for them recreating the tattoo on another actor. That makes sense. If they wanted money for Tyson being in the film that's pretty ludicrous lol. I don't see how they would win that.

Great post 24ct but I don't agree with the NCAA comparison. The tat artist did receive compensation for services rendered. NCAA players never got a dime and their likeness was used without permission and long after their NCAA days were done. I've never had a tat done. It's my line of thinking that once I've paid you cash and sat in a chair for hours after I've collaborated with you on what to do, our transaction is done and the end product belongs to me. If someone were to ask me where it was done I would obviously tell them and give a ringing endorsement to the artist. Now if I were to start a company and use that tat as my logo that's another story.

[roadman]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Great post 24ct but I don't agree with the NCAA comparison. The tat artist did receive compensation for services rendered. NCAA players never got a dime and their likeness was used without permission and long after their NCAA days were done. I've never had a tat done but it's my line of thinking that once I've paid you cash and sat in a chair for hours after I've collaborated with you on what to do our transaction is done and the end product belongs to me. If someone were to ask me where it was done I would obviously tell them and give a ringing endorsement to the artist. Now if I were to start a company and use that tat as my logo that's another story.

I agree with this on a personal level, but unfortunately, there are copy right laws posted in this very thread that differ than the pay and it's mine motif.

It basically boils down to the law and then let the parties involved battle it out in court.

EA took the low road and settled because obviously going to court takes time and money.

[iReP PHiLLY]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

I've never had a tat done but it's my line of thinking that once I've paid you cash and sat in a chair for hours after I've collaborated with you on what to do our transaction is done and the end product belongs to me.

Thank u NINJAK2! This is exactly my point, but I guess tattoo artists have a different train of thought then the rest of us.


Shot from my 6s Plus[emoji1605]

[ksuttonjr76]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

LeBron......

Welp...the argument is done for me. Put me on the jury!

Personally, I think 2K Sports should challenge it and set a future precedent against this. Isn't the burden of proof on the plaintiff to prove that 2K Sports' sales was a indirect/direct results of the tattoo, and that 2K Sports maliciously recreated the tattoos and claimed ownership?

In most copyright cases I've seen, the problem normally arises when the "stealer" takes credit for the original work or knowingly makes a profit from the work. I think they're going to be hard pressed to find any 2K Sports employee who said "We're going to get paid off Lebron's tattoos!".

[roadman]

Re: Take-Two Interactive & Visual Concepts Sued By Tattoo Artists

Welp...the argument is done for me. Put me on the jury!

Personally, I think 2K Sports should challenge it and set a future precedent against this. Isn't the burden of proof on the plaintiff to prove that 2K Sports' sales was a indirect/direct results of the tattoo, and that 2K Sports maliciously recreated the tattoos and claimed ownership?

In most copyright cases I've seen, the problem normally arises when the "stealer" takes credit for the original work or knowingly makes a profit from the work. I think they're going to be hard pressed to find any 2K Sports employee who said "We're going to get paid off Lebron's tattoos!".

So, why would EA not go to court and settle instead?

These corporations have corporate attorneys working for them and advising what to do and what not to do.

Trouble is, the lawsuit for EA came out of nowhere. It was 9 years before they decided to take EA to court.

We'll see where Take-Two and VC take this, settle out of court or take it to court and tie it up for awhile and pay out more money and hope to get a winning verdict.