By Ben Strauss
The poaching was just the beginning of an all-out corporate war, according to court records and interviews with executives at both companies, including allegations, denied by Fanatics, that it bought a printing press and interfered with Panini’s ability to produce cards and that Panini employees took hard drives on their way out the door.
It all came, Panini alleges, as Fanatics was cutting long, exclusive deals with sports leagues and players to make trading cards once produced by Panini. Panini, which previously had the NFL and NBA rights, calls the sum and length of Fanatics’ contracts anticompetitive, meant to drive other businesses from the market.
Fanatics calls it capitalism.
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
