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The W - Pro Wrestling - The WWE's use of WWF
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hhhgamewmx7
Bockwurst








Since: 15.6.03
From: Eire

Since last post: 6709 days
Last activity: 6687 days
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.82
OK, we all know that the old WWF scratch logo can't be shown anymore, but the old block logos can.

But this is where it gets complictaed. I always thought that WWE could never say the letters WWF. But if you go back to Vengeance of 2002, Jim Ross says the WWF letters several times throughout the show. And on the Brock Lesnar DVD, I believe Bruce Pritchard says the letters WWF several times as well.

So, what is the terms of the Wildlife Fund and Wrestling Federation agreement?
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FurryHippie
Frankfurter








Since: 29.10.02
From: New York

Since last post: 6424 days
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#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.36
Well the block letter/scratch logo fiasco has NEVER been explained to me, but I can tell you for sure they are allowed to say WWF. If they slip I don't think they get sued. Also, I was very surprised while watching the BloodBath DVD - Coach uses not only "WWF", but "World Wrestling Federation" when discussing old feuds. He doesn't even say "the former WWF". That's one thing that took me off guard.
DJ FrostyFreeze
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: Hawthorne, CA

Since last post: 137 days
Last activity: 137 days
#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.95

On Ric Flair's DVD, there's a part where he talks about Jim Herd & WCW trying to compete with "Vince & the WWE" in 1991, too. Weird.



OH SNAP

Kane Is Ugly
Kishke








Since: 14.7.03
From: Uglyville

Since last post: 5868 days
Last activity: 5854 days
#4 Posted on
WWE can use the block WWF logo cause back then, they had an agreement with the World Wildlife Fund to use the WWF name. The scratch logo came after the agreement expired, so they cant show that on any video tape now.

The whole thing is just so stupid. I wish the WWE just gave the tree hugging hippies some money so they dont have to blur out any logos, cause it really makes watching highlights from the attitude era hard. I mean, all the blurring on the turnbuckles, belts, and ring aprons are just so distracting to me.
SEADAWG
Boudin rouge
Moderator








Since: 5.7.03

Since last post: 4076 days
Last activity: 3157 days
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.67
The Torch talked with WWE's legal department about it earlier this summer. Being able to say "WWF" in tapes from last year could be because the case was still pending, or WWE still had appeals, and that kind of thing.

==========

"There was an early-'90s agreement between the World Wrestling Federation and World Wildlife Fund that basically called a truce between the two companies with the duplicated initials. The agreement included restrictions that the Wrestling Federation agreed to regarding use of the WWE initials internationally. That was before the popularity of the World Wide Web and the wide usage of WWF.com internationally. There was no way for the Wrestling Federation to prevent usage of WWF.com overseas, yet that was technically in violation of the early-'90s agreement between the Fund and the Federation, according to the judge.

The early-'90s agreement gave the Wrestling Federation usage of the "block" WWF logo at the time. When the Wrestling Federation switched to the "scratch" WWF logo, they felt it was basically the same logo, just using a different font, and wouldn't violate the agreement. However, the court saw differently, believing that the new logo was enough of a change that the early-'90s agreement didn't apply. Remember, the Wildlife Fund had the advantage in this situation because they had trademarked the "WWF" letters decades ago, back when the Wrestling Federation was known as the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation).

As a result the Wrestling Federation decided to change its name to World Wrestling Entertainment because that would allow them to be freed from the shackles of any legal negotiations or restrictions related to the World Wildlife Fund, keep the scratch logo in tact with a small alteration (changing "F" to "E"), and be able to use their logo and initials internationally without any restrictions. In fact, overseas, they used the WWF scratch logo in place of the letters "WWF" in some publications before the name change as to avoid problems with violating the Wildlife Fund early-'90s agreement. It turned out, though, that scratch logo wasn't any more allowable than the letters "WWF" overseas. The World Wildlife Fund is based in Switzerland and thus was especially concerned with confusion in the marketplace in Europe. It wasn't an issue with them until the internet expanded the usage of the actual "WWF" letters internationally that they raised legal concerns and took action to protect their legally registered identity. It didn't help that the WWF was the subject of so much negative press regarding its raunchy content which the Wildlife Fund was worried about being associated with.

What this means regarding archived footage is WWE cannot show the WWF scratch logo in any new videos or merchandise that are produced, including archived footage from the late-'90s "Attitude" era. That is why in old footage, the WWF scratch logo is digitized or blurred. WWE does not have to alter the old block "WWF" logo, though, that was specifically allowed as part of the early-'90s agreement between the Fund and the Federation.

Vince McMahon always encouraged wrestlers and announcers to refer to the company as World Wrestling Federation rather than WWF (i.e. "Hulk Hogan is the greatest World Wrestling Federation Champion of all time" rather than "Hulk Hogan is the greatest WWF Champion of all time.") At the time, it wasn't widely known why he insisted on that. It turns out that it was because of the agreement that he owned the name "World Wrestling Federation" internationally, but had restrictions on how he could use the letters "WWF" overseas. That means, any references to "World Wrestling Federation" verbally are okay, but any references verbally to "WWF" would likely have to be deleted from old archived footage, also. However, I'm told that the verbal aspect of the agreement is quite complicated, but WWE is adhering strictly to the agreed upon terms whenever putting "Best of" DVDs together these days."

(edited by SEADAWG on 27.12.03 1437)
ParagonOfVirtue
Salami








Since: 20.8.03
From: New Jersey, USA

Since last post: 6768 days
Last activity: 6448 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.59
They're pretty sporadic with what they block. On The Rock DVD when the Rock returned during the Invasion angle and says, "Finally, The Rock has returned..to the WWF", they stop at 'returned' and skip back to his promo after he says 'WWF'. However, in the extras, Jericho says 'WWF' two or three times. They usually don't attempt to block 'World Wrestling Federation' but I really don't know where they're trying to go with blocking the verbal 'WWF'.

It really is a shame that the scratch logo is banned. This really means we won't see almost everything from the 98-02 era, except the essential skits and matches here and there. I haven't really noticed but are they still blurring out the turnbuckle pads and 'WWF.com' under the titantron? That really takes away from the segment/match.

I'm really hoping that once WWE proves to World Wildlife Fund that they have disassociated themselves from the 'WWF' name, the two companies can reach an agreement so WWE can freely use their old WWF material. On a related note, I think to even further that disassociation, WWE should get rid of the scratch logo and get a fresh start (perhaps unveil a brand new logo at Mania 20?).

I still can't believe Vince has had this name for such a huge, huge, huge company all of these years and not even have the exclusive copyright to it.
CRZ
Big Brother
Administrator








Since: 9.12.01
From: ミネアポリス

Since last post: 8 days
Last activity: 3 days
ICQ:  
#7 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.65
    Originally posted by Kane Is Ugly
    WWE can use the block WWF logo cause back then, they had an agreement with the World Wildlife Fund to use the WWF name. The scratch logo came after the agreement expired, so they cant show that on any video tape now.
The agreement didn't "expire." Read SEADAWG's post.

I have to believe the Fund has no desire to talk to the WWE anymore (see: lawsuits), so there will never be another agreement and they'll never get back their "WWF" OR their logo. I don't want to burst your pipe dream, but...well, yeah. Get used to blurring if you haven't already. Vince shouldn't have let his lawyers negotiate such a flawed (towards Vince) agreement, and now he - AND we - pay the price.



CRZ
Moralman
Weisswurst
No longer registered








Since: 8.11.03

Since last post: 6621 days
Last activity: 6077 days
#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 10.00
Dear Friends
kind regards
My knowledge of the situation is that they can use everything else but not the WWF scratch logo.
In my opinion they should have the WWE as the logo but still call it the World Wrestling Federation-they could STILL do that.
However negotiations are taking place for this ban to be lifted because blurring is both expensive and irritating to the Wrestling fans eyes.
The World Wildlife Fund will allow the WWE to use the WWF scratch logo in their footage if the WWE gives them enough capital.
yours thankfully
John

(edited by Moralman on 28.12.03 0555)
CRZ
Big Brother
Administrator








Since: 9.12.01
From: ミネアポリス

Since last post: 8 days
Last activity: 3 days
ICQ:  
#9 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.65
    Originally posted by Moralman
    However negotiations are taking place for this ban to be lifted because blurring is both expensive and irritating to the Wrestling fans eyes.
    The World Wildlife Fund will allow the WWE to use the WWF scratch logo in their footage if the WWE gives them enough capital.
Other than your wishful thinking, do you have any hard facts you could cite to back this up? 'cause given your past posting history, I'm inclined to think you're just blowing smoke here.



CRZ
Moralman
Weisswurst
No longer registered








Since: 8.11.03

Since last post: 6621 days
Last activity: 6077 days
#10 Posted on | Instant Rating: 10.00
    Originally posted by CRZ
      Originally posted by Moralman
      However negotiations are taking place for this ban to be lifted because blurring is both expensive and irritating to the Wrestling fans eyes.
      The World Wildlife Fund will allow the WWE to use the WWF scratch logo in their footage if the WWE gives them enough capital.
    Other than your wishful thinking, do you have any hard facts you could cite to back this up? 'cause given your past posting history, I'm inclined to think you're just blowing smoke here.


Dear CRZ
kind regards
I have emailed reputable Wrestling journalists and those who have good knowledge and they state that the WWF scratch logo is being negotiated.
WWE will not get the rights to the WWF trademark but they are wanting to use the WWF scratch logo.
Capital research did an article on the case-The WWF wanted a HUGE amount if the WWE wanted to keep the WWF videos on sale.
However the WWE are releasing edited versions now of the WWF footage now.
The World Wildlife fund wants a good deal for the WWF scratch logo.........they can't do anything more to the WWE.
yours thankfully
John
DJ FrostyFreeze
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: Hawthorne, CA

Since last post: 137 days
Last activity: 137 days
#11 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.95

    Originally posted by Moralman
    I have emailed reputable Wrestling journalists
Where'd you find one of THOSE???



OH SNAP

evilwaldo
Lap cheong








Since: 7.2.02
From: New York, NY

Since last post: 6851 days
Last activity: 6632 days
#12 Posted on | Instant Rating: 0.00
    Originally posted by DJ FrostyFreeze
      Originally posted by Moralman
      I have emailed reputable Wrestling journalists
    Where'd you find one of THOSE???


The only one I know of quit some time ago. I think he runs a mesasge board now.



mmmmmm, Breakfast (x-entertainment.com)
JoshMann
Andouille








Since: 17.11.03
From: Tallahassee, FL

Since last post: 5736 days
Last activity: 5733 days
#13 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.89
(deleted by CRZ on 29.12.03 1546)
BigVitoMark
Lap cheong








Since: 10.8.02
From: Queen's University, Canada

Since last post: 6821 days
Last activity: 6731 days
ICQ:  
#14 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.10
It seems plausible that WWE is trying to work out a settlement to be able to use the old logo as it would save them a lot of time and money in terms of using their video footage...the fact that we're almost two years removed from the initial ruling and no one reputable has reported on any progress towards what seems like such an obvious solution leads me to believe that there's some significant obstacle that we're not thinking of preventing this from happening.



Don't you hate pants?
ParagonOfVirtue
Salami








Since: 20.8.03
From: New Jersey, USA

Since last post: 6768 days
Last activity: 6448 days
#15 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.59
    Originally posted by BigVitoMark
    It seems plausible that WWE is trying to work out a settlement to be able to use the old logo as it would save them a lot of time and money in terms of using their video footage...the fact that we're almost two years removed from the initial ruling and no one reputable has reported on any progress towards what seems like such an obvious solution leads me to believe that there's some significant obstacle that we're not thinking of preventing this from happening.


I'm thinking that the obstacle is as simple as: the court has put the power in the World Wildlife Fund's hands, so their mentality is why even bother putting an ounce of effort to do that rasslin' company any favors? Favors are basically what it would be, considering there is absolutely nothing the World Wildlife Fund can now gain from the wrestling company (unless they are in *desperate* need of a lot of cash). Right now, the World Wildlife Fund is just satisfied that they, as a legitimate company, are the sole owners of the name, and the filthy pro wrestling company is no longer on their back. Again, I don't see things go any further, except if a few years from now, World Wildlife Fund is satisfied with WWE's progress away from WWF, so they let WWE use the scratch footage for a large amount of money. Then again, it wouldn't make sense for them to allow the scratch footage if the current logo is still the scratch logo, because that would add to the confusion. That's why I say to the E..change your damn logo.
MonteCarl
Potato korv








Since: 21.1.02
From: Saginaw, MI

Since last post: 3254 days
Last activity: 2283 days
#16 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.07
I understood it to be that WWE can use the WWF initials and the old block and scratch WWF logos all they want in the US. However, if/when they rebroadcast overseas in Europe and such, THAT'S when the blurring has to come into effect. They just can't use WWF in Europe. But since they rebroadcast the shows and sell the same DVDs and videos over there, instead of taking the time to do two seperate broadcasts or printing and releasing two versions of DVDs, one with and one without blurring, they just blur everything and are done with it.

I could be wrong, and probably am, but that's how I always understood the situation.

--Monte N
BigVitoMark
Lap cheong








Since: 10.8.02
From: Queen's University, Canada

Since last post: 6821 days
Last activity: 6731 days
ICQ:  
#17 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.10
Yes, I believe you're correct, MonteCarl. But really, if you have to go to the trouble of making a blurred DVD or video, it's not really worth the trouble of making a second version. Plus there may be complications with online shops making unblurred versions available in Europe...but I'm not a trademark lawyer, so damned if I know.

As for the wildlife people doing Vince any favours...aren't they supposed to be a charity? Certainly a sizeable annual financial contribution from WWE would be of more value than any benefit they derive from limiting what logos a wrestling company can use.



Don't you hate pants?
hhhgamewmx7
Bockwurst








Since: 15.6.03
From: Eire

Since last post: 6709 days
Last activity: 6687 days
#18 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.82
I'm pretty certain that they can't use the scratch logo anywhere. I don't have it, but i've ordered the ''Triple H : That Damn Good'' DVD from Australia. This DVD was never released in Europe but just in the US and Australia. I'll report back if ant blurring has taken place.



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