Jakks Pacific

THQ Wins Case Against Jakks Over WWE Game Royalties

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on July 27, 2009 - 9:25am.
Malibu, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) has received a favorable ruling in an arbitration with fellow game maker Jakks Pacific (NASD: JAKK), and will pay a lower percentage of profits from their joint WWE (NYSE: WWE) wrestling video game to Jakks.
tags: Games | Law | Lawsuits | THQ | WWE | Jakks Pacific |

WWE Loses Appeal of Case Against Game Maker Jakks

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 21, 2009 - 9:19am.
Malibu, Calif. - Toy and video game maker Jakks Pacific (NASD: JAKK) announced on Thursday that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously affirmed a lower court's ruling dismissing WWE's (NYSE: WWE) claims that the company bribed several WWE employees in securing a licensing deal for pro wrestling video games.

Court Dismisses WWE Claims Against THQ, Jakks

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 2, 2008 - 8:10am.

Los Angeles - The Connecticut Superior Court has dismissed the majority of claims brought by the WWE (NYSE: WWE) against game makers THQ (NASD: THQI) and Jakks Pacific (NASD: JAKK), which alleged that a joint venture between the two companies to create wrestling video games bribed several WWE employees in securing the licensing deal. In addition, the court dismissed WWE's state antitrust claim, citing lack of injury and a similar decision by a federal court, as well as federal claims against Jakks that alleged violations of RICO, the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Robinson-Patman Act.

Jakks Pacific to Make Plug-and-Play "Deal or No Deal" Video Game

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 18, 2006 - 12:54pm.
Malibu, Calif. - Toymaker Jakks Pacific announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement with TV production company Endemol USA for the rights to create a plug-and-play video game system based on the NBC game show "Deal or No Deal." The $19 device is slated for release in the spring of 2007.

Jakks Pacific to Create TV Games Based on DreamWorks Movies

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 25, 2005 - 6:25am.
Malibu, Calif. - Toymaker Jakks Pacific announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with film studio DreamWorks Animation, to produce a number of its TV Games plug-and-play video game devices based on DreamWorks movies. Under the deal, Jakks will produce TV Games based on "Shrek," "Shark Tale," "Over the Hedge" and "Madagascar," all of which are slated for release in 2006.

WWE Sues Jakks Pacific, THQ for Bribery Over Wrestling Game License

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 20, 2004 - 8:21am.
Stamford, Conn. -- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has sued toymaker Jakks Pacific, video game publisher THQ and others for allegedly bribing a WWE licensing agent in order to acquire the rights to make WWE wrestling video games. The suit alleges that the licensing agent conspired with a former WWE senior vice president to accept $100,000 in bribes from Jakks Pacific in order to hide competing bids to make WWE games, from publishers including Activision. Jakks Pacific and THQ were jointly awarded the license, and have released several successful wrestling video games, such as "WWE SmackDown." WWE is seeking treble, punitive and other damages, and is asking the court to invalidate the Jakks/THQ license. In a statement, THQ said it is not directly accused of wrongdoing in the suit and was and is not aware of any alleged bribery by Jakks. The company also "is committed to preserving its rights under the videogame license with the WWE," and, "believes the WWE is pleased with the manner in which THQ has managed their brand in the video game category."