macman1000 - ^^^^^^^Exactly what everybody should do if this is the direction our sport is going. I think it only cost like $125 to trademark your name and get a LLC filed.
Trademarks are $325 per class (number of clasess depends on how many different products/services you want to cover) if filed electronically, plus a couple hundred in legal fees if you have lawyer do it.
LLC depends on state of filing, but is usually around $150, plus a few hundred in legal fees if you have a lawyer draft very simple operating agt, &c.
I have boiler plate LLC paperwork that you are welcome too. You need to change the state info but essentially the agreements are turn key. Filing fees in the states are usually under $100.00.
Trademark is a no brainer and can be done on line at USPTO.gov
THP - Fuckin Christ man. It's bad enough that my name is worthless, but someone would own it? How do contracts work Jason? Can you publicly talk about them?
Sure f we dont execute and no one will come to the table to explain the terms to my client we wont do business with people like that.
KenP - LGSM... making friends everywhere. Bet you are high on Bellators list these days.Ken you want to be the McDonalds of mma agents and you should do that. I am more like Mortons and you can't get a reservation.You should encourage your clients to sign the deal since lord knows the only name you give a shit about building is The Pav!
... another 'aspect' is the merchandising rights clause... they take all the rights they need under this agreement, and then apparently make you think you will get something back in a separate merchandising agt....
first/last right of refusal... matching right... wow...
I have often decried the fact that promotional agreements have been bastardized, unconscionably in my view, to put the Fighter in the position of service provider, when in fact it is the Promoter who is the service provider.
I would highly recommend that a fighter consider proactively trademark his name for himself - at the very least this raises a negotiating issue... the Promoter can not own the trademark if you already own it, so the parties will have to find a way to work through the issue. And even if you give the Promoter a license under your own trademark, via statute there are a number of rights/obligations that may work to your advantage (that you probably would not be able to negotiate for yourself)... so you may gain some (limited) protection.
Great advice. I told the fighter the same thing file your own and if they want it they can buy it.
The merchandise agreement and potentially no sponsors allowed is another majior issue. If they choose not to use a fighter in the tournament (they can at any time) he gets a contract at $2k and $2K and it goes up $500 only if he wins. Tournament winners start at $7K and $7K.
They can release you if and when they want.
They want to be held harmless for anything but do not hold the fighter harmless.
I think if this is the sports new directions all fighters (big and small) should trademark their name, get a LLC filed and do everything in your power to protect and build the asset which is your name.
I've been telling fighters to incorporate for a while now...this just came up in another thread. No brainer imo!
I dont have fighters fighting under that contract. The promoters respect me enough to pick up the phone and negotiate when I call. LG cant get a return phone call so he blasts them on the UG. They are providing opportunities for fighters to make a living. It seems they just dont like you or respect you very much Jason. Get over your Mortons self. FYI, looking at your new roster it seems not many people are getting reservations these days.
Were doing fine Ken but I am glad you kee looking,tells me you are worried.
How did you negotiations go on Elite? You would think a law grad could read a 10K or even an abridged 8K and not keep their clients inactive during the BK. You know the one they told everyone that was coming..
Ken we are different people your a bottom feeder, poacher who uses fighters like inventory and I am not. If that makes you better somehow...
Magnetic - Were doing fine Ken but I am glad you kee looking,tells me you are worried.
How did you negotiations go on Elite? You would think a law grad could read a 10K or even an abridged 8K and not keep their clients inactive during the BK. You know the one they told everyone that was coming..
Ken we are different people your a bottom feeder, poacher who uses fighters like inventory and I am not. If that makes you better somehow...
lol... they didnt nor have they filed BK. My guys did work during the transition. Of course this required skillfull negotiations. But you wouldnt know because you dont have anyone undert the Strikeforce Elite banner while I have 12.
Funny how those in a distant 10th plus place look up at the scoreboard and throw baseless mud. Bottom feeder? I think not. You will not find anyone in any profession who works harder or cares more... says the guy from the London airport where he is on a layover to Helsinki to support Salmon, Radev, and Cofer this weekend.