NFLPA tells players to get waivers from tattoo artists
According to a series of tweets from ESPN sports business reporter Darren Rovell, NFL players are being encouraged to get waivers signed by tattoo artists whenever they get ink done.
After Mike Tyson's tattoo artist sued and settled with Warner Bros. for infringing on his original design by replicating the tattoo in The Hangover II, the NFL and sponsors appear to be concerned that other artists could come forward with similar claims. EA Sports' Madden franchise does not depict player tattoos for this reason.
NFLPA has encouraged players to help them get waivers from tattoo artists that will clear rights issues w/tattoos for licensing.
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) August 28, 2013
Leagues and companies are asking athletes now to go back to tattoo artists to sign waivers releasing them from rights claims.
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) August 28, 2013
An artists' claim to artwork on another person's body is without much precedent. Tyson's artist had registered a copyright for the work, something not all artists may do. However, the fact that this artist received a settlement hints that the courts may see merit in such cases, so the NFL and NFLPA are wise to cover their bases.