Tfue Sues FaZe Clan! Are Esports Companies Talent Agencies? (VL59)

On May 20, 2019, esports and Fortnite star Turner Tenney (also known as Tfue), sued his esports team, FaZe Clan Inc., for violations of contract and California law.

Among the allegations Mr. Tenney asserts that FaZe (i) stole his profits, (ii) restrained trade in violation of California law, (iii) engaged in other bad acts related to young adults and minors (drinking, injury), and (iv) operated as an unlicensed talent agency.

What legal arguments does Tenney make in his complaint?

How does California law feel about restraint of trade (non-compete), and how does that differ from other jurisdictions?

Why does most of Mr. Tenney's contractual argument fall apart if the court elects not to expand Business and Professions Code Section 16600?

And why might none of that matter now that Mr. Tenney has reported FaZe to the California Labor Commissioner as an unlicensed talent agency?

Don't be fazed...it's time for Virtual Legality.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/1ouLjsQJPyg

#Tfue #FaZe #VirtualLegality

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Discussed in this episode:

"Esports Pro Sues Gaming Organization FaZe Clan Over "Oppressive" Contract"
Hollywood Reporter - May 20, 2019 - Ashley Cullins
(https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/tfue-sues-faze-clan-oppressive-contract-1212124)

"Tfue"
Wikitubia Entry
(https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/Tfue)

"Tenney v FaZe Clan Inc."
Filed May 20, 2019
(https://www.scribd.com/document/410833590/Tenney-v-Faze-Clan#download&from_embed)

"Contracts in Restrain of Trade"
California Business and Professions Code, Section 16600
(https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=16600.)

"You Can't Do "What" in California? A Summary of California's (Virtually Nonexistent) Restrictive Covenant Laws for Out-of-State Employers"
Littler - January 18, 2011 - Stephen Tedesco
(https://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/you-cant-do-what-california-summary-californias-virtually-nonexistent)

"California Talent Agency And Artist Management Contracts"
Sebastian Gibson Law
(https://www.sebastiangibsonlaw.com/california-talent-agency-artist-management-contracts/)

"LAWS RELATING TO TALENT AGENCIES "
California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
(https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/talent/talent_laws_relating_to_talent_agencies.pdf)

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