Switch Lights

The lights are on

What's Happening
Home News
Recent News
Related Posts

THQ and Jakks Pacific’s Legal Battles Drag On

News
by Ben Reeves on October 28, 2009 at 05:46 PM
1,607 Views
15

Earlier today, WWE extended its renewal notice deadline for its pro wrestling license. The license is currently held by THQ (maker of the WWE Smackdown vs. Raw series) and Jakks Pacific (the company behind all WWE licensed toys). Interestingly, THQ has been slow to renew this contract. However, THQ’s VP of investor relations Julie MacMedan recently told Gamasutra.com, “We have the option to extend our video game relationship with the WWE through 2014 and we plan to do so."

The delay likely has something to do with THQ hoping to push Jakks Pacific out of the partnership, securing the WWE licenses exclusively for itself. There was some controversy in June when THQ filed suit against Jakks for making the unilateral decision to extend the WWE contract without THQ’s consent.

All three companies have a history of legal tension, and some analysts believe that WWE is also tired of dealing with Jakks Pacific. It’s possible that this delay is the wrestling association’s way of giving THQ time to pay Jakks Pacific to go away, but we might have to wait until December 31 (the new deadline) to see what really happens. However this deal shakes out, we just hope we can finally get some good wrestling action figures. Jakks figures are so crappy even our dog won’t chew on them anymore.

Email the author , or follow on , , , and .

Filed under: , , , ,
Comments
sort by date:
  • by Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 06:12 PM

    Could THQ be turning into EA with Madden? Well at least they aren't buying everything off.

    I've never bought the toys (except a long time ago), but Jakks must be making some suckish toys.

  •
    by Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 06:24 PM

    I'm not sure how toys affects THQ's side of business, but then again I'm sure there's something that goes above a lot of our heads.

    Either way I need to head to Toys R' Us for a championship-spinner-belt.

  •
    by Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 06:47 PM

    I don't see really what the two have in common its not like thq makes toys do they? as long as they keep making he game we are good. I dont even watch wrestling anymore but still love the games.

  •
    by Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 09:28 PM

    Wow, there's just all kinds of legalism in the world of wrestling. First was the lawsuit to change the name of the wwf to wwe, sum legalizing over wrestler contracts, and now this. Ugh.

  •
    by Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 10:00 PM

    I think some fresh air needs to be let in all around.  Yes the Smackdown Vs Raw series is a great franchise, but something new would be nice.  And those toys really did suck, I have a box full of them in my closet and that is where they will stay.......

  •
    by Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 12:07 AM

    @dustin: Jakks has been involved in the WWE games as well. ( Next time you play a SmackDown, or SvR game, and watch the logos - you'll see Jakks Pacific in there. )

    I don't think they actually WORK on the titles, but they are tied to them in some way.

  •
    by Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 12:21 AM

    thats interesting.

  •
    by Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 02:41 AM

    I love the WWE games. I couldnt imagine anyone else making them!

  •
    by Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 06:15 AM

    I would like to see a different developer tackle the WWE games. Or at least some sort of overhaul on the fundamental gameplay. Every year I play this game it feels like tweaked version of the last one.

    It was great back in the day when you had games like No Mercy for the N64 as a nice antidote to the pure arcade gameplay of Smackdown!

  •
    by Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 02:08 PM

    Yeah, the Smackdown games have always been fun, but they haven't really brought me the joy of the 64 games. I think they lack a bit of "soul," though I think they are trying to correct that, slowly.

  •
    by Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 02:18 PM

    Strange... my dog still wants to chew on my WWE figures?...

  •
    by Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 06:09 AM

    if WWE can get away from Jakks, they should contact Tod McFarlane for their action figures (best looking action figures EVER), not to mention adding cool CAW Spawn options in future games.

  •
    by Friday, December 11, 2009 at 03:55 PM

    jakks may have the "beef" on either but THQ and WWE rules big time.

  •
    by Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 09:29 AM

    Just FOCUS on the games people, the action figures are for kids,  GAMERS are forever make them happy.

  •
    by Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    really like svr series.my friend likes the toys.i don't like they look like they gave them steriods.