THQ vs WWE Lawsuit Thrown Out Of Court, Then Hit With Folding Metal Chair

You probably won't remember, but back in 2004, the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) sued THQ. The wrasslers accused THQ of bribery and - get this - racketeering, basically saying that THQ swindled them on a licensing deal. They weren't only seeking to have THQ's licensing deal cancelled, but were also after a hefty payout. Well, the Connecticut state court's thrown the case out, after the federal court did the same thing, which means not even some sneaky Jimmy Hart megaphone action can save the WWE in this one.

source : kotaku

The Superior Court of Connecticut dismissed World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) state claims that toy and video game licensees Jakks Pacific and THQ engaged in bribery, antitrust, and conflict of interest, among other charges.

Officials from WWE filed a fourteen-count complaint against toy maker Jakks Pacific and THQ in 2004 accusing the companies of bribing WWE's former licensing agent Stanley Shenker and Licensing and Merchandising SVP James Bell. WWE sought to void its licenses to both companies, in addition to various damages.

The Connecticut Court dismissed WWE's state antitrust claim, pointing to the lack of any antitrust injury under state law and noting that that the federal court already dismissed the claim under federal law.

The Connecticut Court also dismissed all of WWE’s other federal claims against Jakks Pacific, THQ, and their senior officers, including claims alleging violations of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), the Sherman Antitrust Act, and the Robinson-Patman Act, based on prior federal court decisions.

The Connecticut Court also dismissed WWE's claims that aimed to get its licenses back from THQ and Jakks. WWE intends to appeal the rulings.

WWE's remaining claims, which were not the subject of the motions before the Court, relate to deals with Yuke's Co. Ltd., a developer and distributor in Japan that has an agreement with THQ to publish WWE titles in the region.

"The Connecticut Superior Court's decision marks a significant milestone in resolving the WWE litigation," says THQ's EVP of business and legal affairs James Kennedy. "We believe the remaining claims are without merit and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously."

The Superior Court has dismissed most of the WWE's claims against THQ, including the one bribery claim. The remaining claims concern agreements with Yuke's Co. Ltd., a developer and distributor in Japan.

"The Connecticut Superior Court's decision marks a significant milestone in resolving the WWE litigation," said THQ legal and business VP James M. Kennedy. "We believe the remaining claims are without merit and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously," he said.