Subbuteo back in stores

[massimo]

We recently learned from Vincent Coppenolle on the WASPA website:

Subbuteo back in the stores - "One of the breaking news at the FISTF world cup in Italy was the announcement made by the spanish company Netcam, owner of Total Soccer, confirming "they have purchased Hasbro's subbuteo trademark rights for the next 10 years with an option for the next 10 years. They also purchased the right to manage everything concerning the material and they will produce do two samples for all, mold bases and the original Astropitch. The relaunch of Subbuteo will start next June at the European Football Championships in all countries of Western Europe and even in some of Eastern European nations." The bad news about this change is that Netcam intends to regulate the use of the name Subbuteo, which means everyone wanting to use the world subbuteo (in a subbuteo club, association, an Internet forum,...) will have to ask Netcam's permission. And that's not great..."

Thoughts?

[batabomber]

I received the same information from a of Subbuteo news e-mail,
I really do not understand fully the point of it neither the consequences we could have on forums, clubs and associations, probably we would need an Attorrney?
I mean it is more than 20 years that our Association is called this way and all over the world we refer to our wonderful game with that name...
So from now on we should call it like in Italy Table soccer or " calcio da tavolo'" like they do since a while ago, or should we ask permission for every time we want to use that word?-
I really think that all the problems and the changing or confusion FISTF is living are caused by an "undergroung battle " between the various producers.

[vincentcop]

I just think some people are taking things much too seriously. Because Netcam has money, some players should stop playing subbuteo and start playing "sport table football"? What a joke!

I heard Capponi said there will be no mercy for people who are not "well educated" if they continue tu use the word subbuteo. I believe he's speaking about the "old subbuteo" movement and the "WASPA movement". Right now he's just trying to make this a personal conflict between people and I'm sorry to say that but it's ridiculous!

Vincent

[batabomber]

Am I wrong saying that Mr. Capponi is involved with Total Soccer?

[vincentcop]

Jul 30, 2011 12:09:58 GMT -5 batabomber said:

Am I wrong saying that Mr. Capponi is involved with Total Soccer?

Definately, he's working for NETCAM, the company producing and distributing Total Soccer (and Subbuteo from September 1)

[Daniel Cranston]

Hmm so there is good and bad. I think it is awesome that Subbuteo may be advertised and distributed on a higher level again, but as expressed you guys, it is unfortunate that they may be targeting the use of the word. In the scheme of things, it is not like the word "Subbuteo" is used often, not sure why it needs to licensed...

[massimo]

Like I explained to Andrea yesterday, I do have an issue when an entity, anyone, takes the monopoly of a certain idea/movement. Andrea explained that after a controversy during the team event in Palermo involving Spain and Malta, Capponi presented his resignations which it appears they have not been accepted.
However, Netcam is right now in the enviable position to control both ends of Subbuteo: copyright and International Federation.