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« Cases and Current InvestigationsDryer v. NFL
October 2011The complaint alleges that while the league was allowed to use players’ names, images, and likenesses during their playing days, no such usage was allowed after the players’ contracts expired – particularly for those players who were with the league during the “glory days” prior to 1993. For example, the complaint focuses on the fact that the NFL uses extensive film productions to promote the league - complete with scripts, music and editing as opposed to re-broadcasts of NFL games - for which it has generally offered no compensation to retired players whose images are used throughout these films. The retired players have brought claims for unjust enrichment, violations of the Lanham Act, and for violations of their rights of publicity due to these unauthorized uses of their likenesses.
In January 2010, the court denied the NFL’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit and allowed the plaintiffs to move forward with their claims. The case is now in active litigation. Recently, additional lawsuits were filed that have been related to and will likely be consolidated with the Dryer action.
On September 13, 2011, the Court appointed Hausfeld LLP, Bob Stein LLC, and Zimmerman Reed the three co-lead counsel in this matter.
Practice Areas: Sports and Entertainment, Intellectual Property
Supporting Documents
» Amended Complaint
(PDF)
» Order Appointing Interim Co-Lead Counsel
(PDF)
