Leaf Trading Cards has responded to the lawsuit filed by Panini America over a sheet of stickers signed by Kevin Durant. The Texas-based card marker and its president, Brian Gray, are seeking a declaratory judgment that it owns the stickers that once belonged to Upper Deck and can do with them as it sees fit. They're also asking for attorneys fees for having to fight the … [Read more...]
Hobby News and Notes from the Editor’s Blog
Upper Deck is promising to hold products for as long as it can to cut back on the number of redemption cards. Collectors hate them and often accused the company of not being as responsive as they should when redemptions would go unfulfilled for months--even years at times. They aren't alone, though. Waiting on players to sign cards has caused nightmares for other … [Read more...]
Presidential Candidates–Even Losers–Get Upper Deck Cards
Thanks for playing, Herman Cain. We have a lovely parting gift for you, Michele Bachman. It was fun while it lasted, Rick Perry. At least you've got something tangible to remember the race by: Your own presidential candidate trading card, courtesy of Upper Deck. The company will release its World of Sports issue on February 21, and randomly inserted into packs are insert … [Read more...]
Tracking Babe Ruth Cards For Sale on eBay
The Babe is still hot. More than 60 years after his death, Babe Ruth cards continue to be among the most sought after in the hobby. Sports Collectors Daily tracked the sales of The Bambino's cardboard over the last two months and the results show that mainstream Goudey gum cards continue to dominate, despite being in far greater supply than some of the lesser known … [Read more...]
Upper Deck Bringing National Hockey Card Day to U.S. Shops
Upper Deck's National Hockey Card Day is no longer a Canadian exclusive. The program aimed primarily at bringing new collectors into the market, began in 2009 and has been successful for retailers north of the border. Now, the company is extending it to the U.S. Scheduled to take place on February 11, the day before the NHL's 'Hockey Day in America' promotion, customers who … [Read more...]
Welling Joins Panini
Panini America has hired collectibles industry veteran Martin Welling as its new Vice President of Operations. Welling spent the previous 18 years at The Upper Deck Company, most recently as that company’s Senior Vice President of Creative Services. At Panini America, Welling will oversee the product development, production and creative departments for the company and will … [Read more...]
Editor’s Blog: Expensive Shoes, Growing Company, Signed Sets Sell, Topps in India
Upper Deck says it has sold the shoes LeBron James wore in his first game back in Cleveland as a member of the Miami Heat. The game took place nearly a year ago and Upper Deck had James sign them. They were offered as part of Upper Deck Authenticated’s Suite One-of-One program where super high-end sports collectibles are available for purchase. Upper Deck says the shoes were … [Read more...]
Upper Deck vs Abdul-Jabbar Set for December 12
There has been no settlement in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's lawsuit against the Upper Deck Company over the use of the Hall of Famer's photo on its 2010 Greats of the Game trading card set. A trial date of December 12 has been set. Abdul-Jabbar claims Upper Deck didn't have permission to use his name or likeness in the set and says he's had to turn down autograph requests from … [Read more...]
Q&A With a Hobby Distributor
In preparation for the 2012 Industry Summit, host Kevin Isaacson is conducting periodic “5 Questions’’ segments with leaders from all segments of the sports collectible, entertainment and gaming industries. This week’s Q&A is with Lloyd Kee, principal of GTS Distribution, a wholesaler of sports collectible and gaming products. GTS employees more than 50 full-time … [Read more...]
Michael Jordan ’97-98 UD Game Jersey Card Brings $30,123
What’s considered the first ever game used/worn jersey, autographed & serial numbered Michael Jordan card ever made closed at $30,123 in an eBay auction Sunday night. The auction brought serious—and well financed—MJ collectors out of the woodwork for the 1997-98 Upper Deck Game Jerseys #GJ13A, limited to just 23 cards. The buyer’s feedback number would indicate that the … [Read more...]