GaryMrMets
02-12-2003, 11:18 PM
Judge Urges Cubs, Rooftop Owners to Settle
.c The Associated Press
CHICAGO (Feb. 12) -- The Chicago Cubs will have a year to settle their dispute with the owners of rooftop bleachers that overlook Wrigley Field.
A federal judge set a Feb. 23, 2004, trial date for a lawsuit the Cubs filed. The team contends the rooftop owners violate copyright laws and directly compete with the club for ticket sales.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and some of the defendant's profits. The suit also wants the rooftop owners banned from marketing the Cubs without the team's permission.
Judge James Holderman instructed both sides to meet with U.S. Magistrate Judge Sidney Schenkier to negotiate a possible settlement. Lawyers for both sides say they want the case resolved before the 2004 season.
The Cubs have been arguing with the rooftop owners over plans to expand the stadium, which currently seats 39,059. Team president and chief executive officer Andy MacPhail in September said the organization wouldn't cooperate with the owners on the expansion plans unless they bought licenses to view games.
.c The Associated Press
CHICAGO (Feb. 12) -- The Chicago Cubs will have a year to settle their dispute with the owners of rooftop bleachers that overlook Wrigley Field.
A federal judge set a Feb. 23, 2004, trial date for a lawsuit the Cubs filed. The team contends the rooftop owners violate copyright laws and directly compete with the club for ticket sales.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and some of the defendant's profits. The suit also wants the rooftop owners banned from marketing the Cubs without the team's permission.
Judge James Holderman instructed both sides to meet with U.S. Magistrate Judge Sidney Schenkier to negotiate a possible settlement. Lawyers for both sides say they want the case resolved before the 2004 season.
The Cubs have been arguing with the rooftop owners over plans to expand the stadium, which currently seats 39,059. Team president and chief executive officer Andy MacPhail in September said the organization wouldn't cooperate with the owners on the expansion plans unless they bought licenses to view games.