Jack Nicklaus has won a major court victory that will allow him to use his name, image and likeness in the design of golf courses.
Not even the proximity of the Masters Tournament could keep golf legend Jack Nicklaus from taking at least part of his mind off Augusta National Golf Club. In this case, however, it was for a happy event, as he achieved an important legal victory.
Nicklaus was the subject of a lawsuit filed by the current management of the Nicklaus Company LLC, led by banker Howard Milstein. The lawsuit was dismissed recently by New York State Supreme Court Civil Division Justice Joel M. Cohen, which has significant implications for the 18-time major champion’s ability to operate businesses in the future.
The central issue in Nicklaus‘ favor is that he is free to use his name, image and likeness in the design of golf courses, something he was temporarily deprived of.
It may seem nonsensical that the legendary player could not use such inherently personal matters, but it is not when you consider the way the business operation first developed and the lawsuit later.
Let’s see:
The origins of Nicklaus Company LLC date back more than 50 years, when Nicklaus began his career as a golf course designer.
