WIPA to Protect and Maximize Use of Players IP and Image Rights

PORT OF SPAIN - The West Indies Players Association (WIPA), in furtherance of its objective of seeking the best interests of its membership, announced in a press release that it has been assigned the image and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) of seventy five of its members as set out in the formal assignment between the players and WIPA.

Such rights include but are not limited to the player’s name, nickname, assumed name, likeness, image, portrait, picture, photograph, caricature, voice, signature, signifier, representation or reproduction of same in any form whatsoever, logo or other identification, statements, quotations and biographical or other detail, and all associated fame, reputation and goodwill associated with the player's name together with any registered or unregistered trademarks associated therewith or other IPRs, rights or publicity and/ or personality and other rights of whatever nature as may exist in addition to the same in any jurisdiction from time to time.

This initiative is very much welcomed by WIPA and its members as the Association seeks to exploit and maximize the full commercial potential for the use of the players’ Intellectual Property (IP) and image rights and to stringently monitor its usage globally to ensure that there are no unauthorized exploitations thereof.

“WIPA has fought many long and tough battles in recent times including those to protect the Intellectual Property and imaging rights of players and we are quite pleased that the parameters are now much clearer in relation to such rights. One would appreciate that the imaging and Intellectual Property Rights are one of the most valuable asset and resource of a player,” WIPA President and CEO Dinanath Ramnarine said.

Furthermore, this assignment follows the emerging trend of similar arrangements between cricket players and their associations as in the case with the equivalent groups in South Africa and England.

“WIPA is indeed honored and privileged to be given this responsibility and show of confidence from its membership and shall do all that is necessary to ensure that its members’ rights are fully protected and optimally utilized,” Ramnarine concluded.

WIPA is the authorized, representative and collective voice of all West Indian cricketers.

WIPA, a non-profit organization, is an affiliate of the Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) and the exclusive representative and bargaining agent for players who have been selected for their Territorial Teams and West Indies Cricket Team.