sigh.

God Bless America..... and its lawsuit habits.

Must..... find.....*Gasp*.... someone to.... Sue.... *Gasp*..

Originally posted by MMOarQQ

I'm pretty sure that most companies sneak a clause into their employment contracts that makes them the proprietor of all works, both intellectual and physical.

At least it's been that way in my experience.

That's the thing though, she worked as a GM, not a voice actor for Blizzard. Her voice being used in the game was not contractually part of her employment, and it was allegedly used in WoW without her consent. Additionally she hasn't seen a single cent of compensation for it.

Originally posted by Badgered86

Here's to hoping she wins.  I don't like the thought of her contributing in such a big way to the company (by creating an iconic sound that even some non-gamers know) and not be properly compensated by the company.  I'm tired of big businesses taking advantage of talented individuals by taking their ideas/creations and not recognizing (and compensating) said individuals properly for their efforts.

I don't believe anyone can own her voice but herself, and she should be paid appropriately for the use of it.  If they rule that Blizzard Entertainment owns her voice, this will be just another instance of corporations being people (able to own property) and people being property (her voice which is very much a part of her as your voice is to you).

Considering that corporations are being allowed to copyright DNA sequences, it makes me want to consider copyrighting my own DNA...

But I get the feeling going down that road will lead to another really stupid legal precedent:

"Man copyrights own DNA, sues twin brother for infringement."

     While working at Blizzard, Lewis says, she received an email requesting voices for "World of Warcraft" creatures...

     ...She claims she has filed copyright applications "with regard to baby murloc vocal expressions and the baby murloc song ... which have been incorporated into WoW without Amanda's permission."

     She seeks disgorgement, quantum meruit, and damages for copyright infringement and misappropriation of her voice.

Just funny to note that she can somehow claim that her work was used without permission by submitting it to an email request for such work. I hope she gets sh*t stomped in court and required to pay Blizzard legal fees. Frivolous lawsuits need to stop or be curbed.

Originally posted by Ceridith

Originally posted by MMOarQQ

I'm pretty sure that most companies sneak a clause into their employment contracts that makes them the proprietor of all works, both intellectual and physical.

At least it's been that way in my experience.

That's the thing though, she worked as a GM, not a voice actor for Blizzard. Her voice being used in the game was not contractually part of her employment, and it was allegedly used in WoW without her consent. Additionally she hasn't seen a single cent of compensation for it.

Mhmm, I see what you're saying, but again, "in my experience", that doesn't change a thing. In fact it's the reason why I bring my own laptop to work and keep my writings off their network.

In the end it'll all come down to the language in her contract as a CSR. Her lawyer's probably found a loophole. Also, I expect this to settle out of court.

Originally posted by MMOarQQ

In the end it'll all come down to the language in her contract as a CSR. Her lawyer's probably found a loophole. Also, I expect this to settle out of court.

I agree completely on all counts.

If she's one of the 600 fired she should try and get hers. Hope she wins.

Originally posted by Skuz

I think that the very least she should get is a listing in the credits for being the voice of the baby Murloc, any more than that seems discreditable.

Creative recognition is a legitimate claim.

Yeah I don't think it is a lot to ask for a company to mention your name when you do work for them.

I hope she wins!   Sure it was probably recorded while she was already on the clock and getting paid, but I'm pretty sure that voice acting is not a part of the GM contract, and besides, its her voice and Blizzard doesn't own that.  More than likely she was ok with having offered her vocals at the time, but then when not having her name credited for the talent or given a little extra, I'd be pissed off too.

Murlocks are pretty much the Mascot of WoW and have not only helped generate extra funds from additonal merchandise, but have probably enticed people to purchase and play WoW.

What is most annoying about this, is that she had to go this far.  Blizzard is a multi-billion dollar company not hurting for funds, and what she's asking for is probably not very much.  Maybe a few million if that.  However, instead of just giving her some pocket change and recognition, Blizzard will instead end up paying probably 10x that amount in legal fees to fight it...its just silly!

I doubt she'll win the case. Blizzard is dead in my eyes but I think even they had enough legal forsight for something like this.

One american sues another for stupid reason? STOP THE PRESSES!

"Galalallalagrlala. Lalgglrrrglalgala. Lagagalralallaghrglhpfnzk."

*Throws on Audacity*

"I obviously contributed to this products major success."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jWo7Yjq-Tw

SERIOUSLY?

I wont read the official article because I do not want to hate another person for their greed and stupidity. If there were any additional dollars to be paid to voice acting when you're already an employee I hope she gets compensation... yet most likely shes just one of these I spilled hot coffee on my crotch... pay me for it type of people.

Are you guys freaking kidding me? Am I the first to think of this? How great would that woman be in bed with all her murgle gurgles!

I know Im brilliant you may pay me in internet love!

Originally posted by tawess

I would asume she did not do this as a part of her contractual(sp) duties and thus she should at least get recognition. Otherwise she would not have a leg to stand on and no one would be crazt enough to take it to court.

 

It will most likley end in a settlement tho...

 Yup, after reading the case I assume settlement will be where it goes. She'll get paid.

murlocs rebelled against their evil overlords

when i worked for big companies there was always an incentive somewhere for contributing to the success or brand of the company or saving the company money, even if it was an idea developed during work hours.

in addition, her duties as a GM are far removed from voice acting and she should be compensated in some way regardless.

cant believe so many ppl are not on her side here. *scratches head*

Hey Inigo!...I hope she wins.

Originally posted by DexterMMO

I wont read the official article because I do not want to hate another person for their greed and stupidity. If there were any additional dollars to be paid to voice acting when you're already an employee I hope she gets compensation... yet most likely shes just one of these I spilled hot coffee on my crotch... pay me for it type of people.

Or, she's one of the 600+ people that Blizzard kicked to the curb so they could meet their quarterly target.

In which case, I think she's completely justified after having contributed above and beyond her terms of employment, and then being treated like dirt by the company.