EPT
KeSPA, while explaining the background behind why they started considering force starting the 2010~2011 Proleague, claimed that Gretech has refused to sign off on Proleague.
We know that KeSPA has met with Gretech 4 times, and said that it was impossible to reimburse Gretech regarding Proleague, and the negotiations ended there.
However, there are some new information that came into light. KeSPA has revealed that they would like to pay for intellectual property rights, and that Gretech has refused this, and claimed that Gretech has refused to sign off on the Proleague because of GSL.
One person who has participated in the negotiations, has said that "KeSPA, from the very beginning, has shown willingness to reimburse intellectual property fees for the Proleague", adding that "While they do have an income from broadcasting rights of the Proleague, but because this is all used to operate the Proleague, they might as well not have any income", and said that they have shown all related budget accounts. Continuing, they have asked Gretech "Even though Proleague does not have any real profits, we will pay intellectual property fees, so how much does Gretech want?"
However, Gretech, starting with the beginning of the 4th negotiation, has said that "We cannot sign off on the Proleague, since it will compete with the GSL", and KeSPA reacted saying that "If you refuse to sign off on the Proleague, that's like saying we shouldn't be negotiating". Continuing, Gretech, rather than talking about intellectual property fees, has demanded "Reimbursement for the GSL", and KeSPA has rejected the guidelines set by Gretech.
The person added that "Since this is an NDA, we cannot reveal everything about the negotiations, but there are a lot of people are using wrong information and is reading the situation wrong", and said that "I really want to reveal everything about the negotiations and be judged on who is making the wrong judgments here"
First, make sure to read up on MBC - Gretech negotiations
As we know, KeSPA and Gretech first entered negotiations in June 23rd, and officially entered into an NDA, and started the main part of the negotiations early August. It's been confirmed that they have had 4 meetings since then -- however, the 4 meetings did not go anywhere, as they ended simply by confirming the positions of each side.
KeSPA's position is that "Because we don't make any profit from the Proleague, and the 11 progame teams all pay quite a considerable amount of money for team operations and the board of directors free, it's quite difficult to pay Gretech reimbursement in any sort of currency."
Gretech has said "If KeSPA rejects negotiations related to monetary payments, then from an industry operation viewpoint, let us know how you will reimburse Gretech", and "Since there may be a lot of noise if we reveal the amount of monetary payment we want and may look like we're forcing the amount, let us know if you have a monetary payment in mind".
The negotiations also included things related to the GSL. Regarding the GSL, Gretech has said "If Proleague goes on without any monetary reimbursement, then from our position, we can end up in a position where we're not guaranteed any profits as GSL can be damaged because of the Proleague", adding that "Because KeSPA has boycotted the GomTV Classic in the past, the GSL can be damaged again due to the Proleague schedule". Responding to this, KeSPA has revealed that "Because we have decided to pay a usage fee for the Intellectual property for the Proleague, we have no reason to promote Starcraft 2 or help GomTV. If Gretech is like this, then there isn't any more point of negotiations".
Because of this, there are opinions within KeSPA to force the operation of the 10~11 Proleague season. Upon operating the 10~11 Proleague season, if Gretech starts an issue related to IP Rights, then they will deal with after the fact, and in the worst case scenario of the season being forcibly stopped, that they would be willing to disband all the progame teams.
Regarding this, someone related to Gretech has remarked "If we can settle this and reach an agreement, that would be the best conclusion, but if the Proleague starts without negotiations, then they will not be able to avoid legal consequences"
Meanwhile, the KOCCA has remarked that they will do their best to make the negotiations happen.
Source: http://www.fomos.kr/board/board.php?mode=read&keyno=110288&db=issue&cate=001&page=1&field=&kwrd=
Source 2: http://www.fomos.kr/board/board.php?mode=read&keyno=110289&db=issue&cate=001&page=1&field=&kwrd=
