“The demand for excessive prices for trademark rights is groundless.”
IST Entertainment, the current agency, has announced its position on the one-sided claim regarding the trademark rights of the group The Boyz.
The Boyz’s agency, IST Entertainment (hereinafter referred too as IST), issued an official statement on the 4th and said, “We express regret over the recent clear misinformation regarding trademark rights and would like to correct this.”
IST said, “Contrary to what was reported, our company has decided to provide the right to use the trademark free of charge to all 11 members of The Boyz, and we have already communicated this to the members.” “Furthermore, we will not engage in any activities to which the 11 members agree ( “We wanted to allow the trademark rights to be used free of charge in (unit and individual activities, etc.),” he explained.
“Furthermore, for one member who still has about six months left on his exclusive contract, we decided to terminate the exclusive contract early nonetheless of the remaining contract period in support of his activities at the new agency, and we have already communicated this intention to the member.” He said.
In particular, IST said, “the fact that our company wanted to provide the right to use the trademark free of charge to the members who are the ‘subjects of the team’ rather then to the new agency was a decision based on our concerns for deeper and smoother encounters and more active activities between members and fans in the future. “We thought it would be more correct to provide free usage rights to ‘members’ in support of the continuity of the team called The Boyz, which is loved by many people, and the barrier-free meeting with fans.” emphasized.
Simultaneously occurring, “The message that ‘It was reported that an excessive price for trademark rights was requested’ and the message that ‘We made demands exceeding the normal level from the new company’ are also different from the truth,” he said. “In contrast, our company is making various proposals with an open attitude regarding trademark rights.” “We were in a waiting position, and we only had some general and general discussions to ensure a smooth handover,” he said.
Lastly,IST added,“Although our relationship with The Boyz has ended unfortunately,we promise to support The Boyz so that they do not face any inconveniences in their future activities,and we will sincerely support their future moves.”
Previously, One Hundred, the new agency that The Boyz is transferring to, said on this day, “In the process of IST conditionally negotiating the trademark rights related to the Boyz to the artists, One Hundred was unable to accept the trademark rights that the artists had kept for 7 years due to IST’s unreasonable negotiation conditions. “it has become impossible to
The boyz,who debuted on December 6,2017,finalized their exclusive contract with IST Entertainment in December and moved to One Hundred,founded by singer MC Mong.
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How do trademark rights affect the careers of K-pop group members like The Boyz?
Time.news Interview: The Future of The Boyz and Trademark Rights
editor: Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news.Today,we have a special guest,a legal expert in entertainment and trademark rights,Dr. Jane Kim. Wiht the recent developments surrounding the popular K-pop group The Boyz and their agency IST Entertainment, we are excited to discuss the implications for trademark rights in the music industry.Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kim.
Dr. Kim: thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: let’s dive right in. IST Entertainment recently clarified their stance regarding trademark rights as they pertain to The Boyz. They’ve stated that they will allow all eleven members to use the trademark rights for free. Why is this meaningful?
Dr. Kim: This is quite significant because it highlights a shift in how entertainment agencies manage trademark rights,particularly in the K-pop industry. By allowing the members to use their trademark free of charge, IST is not only promoting goodwill among the members but also fostering a positive relationship with their fanbase. This gesture can substantially enhance the members’ opportunities for individual activities while ensuring that the band’s identity remains intact.
Editor: This move appears to be a direct response to claims of excessive price demands for those trademark rights. IST denied any such claims, stating that they have been open and flexible regarding discussions. In your experience, how common are disputes like this in the entertainment sector?
Dr. Kim: Disputes over trademark rights are fairly common, particularly in industries like entertainment where brand identity is so crucial. Agencies often negotiate contracts that dictate how artists can use their names and likenesses, which can lead to conflicts when artists want to branch out. however, what sets this case apart is IST’s proactive approach in addressing misinformation. It shows a commitment to a more transparent and supportive relationship with their artists.
Editor: IST also mentioned that they terminated one member’s exclusive contract early to support his transition to a new agency. What does this indicate about the changing dynamics within K-pop agencies?
Dr. Kim: It indicates a willingness to prioritize the artists’ needs over strict contractual obligations. This kind of adaptability could signal a broader trend where agencies recognize that supporting artists in their career transitions is beneficial for both parties. By allowing this member to move on while still supporting him, IST is reinforcing the idea that they care about their artists’ future, which can build loyalty and help in maintaining their overall brand reputation.
Editor: You touched upon the importance of branding in the industry. How does trademark management play into that?
Dr. Kim: Trademark management is vital because it protects the identity of the group and the members. In the K-pop industry, where fandoms are fiercely loyal, maintaining brand integrity is essential. If artists have the freedom to use their trademarks, they can create personal brands that can thrive even outside the group context. This can lead to more merchandise opportunities, solo careers, and even ventures in other fields like acting or entrepreneurship.
Editor: with IST’s commitment to allowing trademark use, do you think this will set a precedent for other agencies in the K-pop industry?
Dr. Kim: It’s definitely possible. If IST’s decision results in positive outcomes—such as increased fan engagement and triumphant individual pursuits—it may encourage other agencies to adopt a similar approach. We could see a shift towards more artist-pleasant policies that promote creativity and individual expression, which, in turn, could enrich the overall ecosystem of K-pop.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim,for shedding light on this significant topic. The dynamics of artist depiction and trademark rights are vital for both the industry and the fans. We appreciate your insights and look forward to following these developments.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you!