WPTE makes peace with ‘Jesus’

Author: Simon Dexter

The World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc. (WPTE) have finally settled the lawsuit brought against it by a group of five top poker professionals - Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, Andrew Bloch, Annie Duke and Phil Gordon.

The action was announced by the players at a press conference at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas during the World Series Of Poker* back in 2006 and was originally filed by seven players. However, WSOP* ME bracelet winners Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem withdrew so that they could continue to play in WPT events - Hachem went on to scoop over m after winning the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic later that same year.

In their original lawsuit, the players claimed that the terms of the WPTE player release would force them to violate other endorsement agreements and rights to images that the players and their sponsors had otherwise contracted for, and as a consequence, the players were forced to forego participating in WPT events.

Ferguson and his fellow pros claimed ‘treble and punitive damages’ in an antitrust complaint, alleging that the WPTE and its partner casinos unlawfully conspired to eliminate competition and violated the intellectual property rights of the players.

WPTE continued to deny the claims were in any way “in violation of antitrust or other laws,” but has now moved to put the matter to rest and will now change the wording that was said to be in conflict with the players’ endorsement deals.

A WPTE release on the settlement said: “WPTE continues to deny any liability or wrongdoing, but wants to settle its differences with the players so that the tour can focus on its continued growth rather than litigation.”

Steve Lipscomb, founder and CEO of WPTE, added: “We are glad to put this dispute behind us, and we look forward to working with all players to grow the sport of poker.”

Poker star Ferguson was also pleased that the dispute has now been resolved and said: “We are happy to have come to an agreement that is fair to all players, and to have put in place a new release that clears up ambiguities in how players’ images may be used. We are especially happy that this new release will apply to all poker players who wish to participate in WPT tournaments and events. WPTE has created some of the best poker events in the world, and we are excited to participate in them once again.”

Although the new wording has not been revealed, this can only be good news for the sport as all the world’s best poker professionals will now line up on the WPT.

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*World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah’s License Company, LLC (”Harrah’s”). Harrah’s does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with Littlewoods Gaming or it’s products, services, promotions or tournaments.

Tags: poker players, World Poker Tour, WSOP

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 4:28 pm and is filed under News & Promotions Blog, Poker News.