Today’s guest is Kyle Coates and our topic is pro wrestling and the intellectual property problems that arise from it. So prepare to be amazed as we BODY SLAM this topic, or something.
Who owns a wrestler’s name, gimmick, and persona? Kyle was inspired to do research in this area when he heard about a legal dispute between the wrestlers Jeff and Matt Hardy and the wrestling network TNA. The Hardys changed networks and wanted to continue using a gimmick they had developed while performing for TNA.
We discuss some of the lawsuits and disputes that have occurred in the pro wrestling sphere, and how to courts have treated these issues. And yes, we answer the most important question: If Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson runs for President, will he be able to use Rock puns in his campaign ads? Listen to the episode to learn the answer!
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I had no idea that Chekov was modeled on the Beatles/Monkees; apparently to attract younger viewers. I found this fact amusing: Koenig was recommended for the role by director Joseph Pevney, who noted that he “had the worst fake Russian accent I ever heard”.