INDIA BUSINESS WORLD - NOVEMBER 16^th - NOVEMBER 30^th - 2007

MRTPC ALLOWS SACHIN TO RESPOND TO NIKE ALLEGATION

The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) has allowed Sachin Tendulkar to respond to global sports wear major Nike's charges accusing the cricketer of violating the Commission's directions in a case involving rival Adidas over endorsement rights.

During the proceedings at the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission last week, Sachin's counsel sought time to respond to Nike's contention that he had violated the commission's directions to file an affidavit personally.

The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission had, on October 4, directed the cricket star to file an affidavit within a week or make his stand clear with regard to the dispute over endorsement rights between Nike and Adidas. In his affidavit submitted through his brother Ajit Tendulkar, Sachin had stated that he has no contractual relationship with Nike India and it has no authority to use his name for promotion of its product.

However, Nike, in a counter affidavit, claimed that Tendulkar's affidavit is replete with "vague and evasive averments" and wanted his brother Ajit Tendulkar to be cross examined. It further argued that the affidavit was contrary to MRTPC's direction for filing a 'personal' affidavit.

To this, Sachin wanted to file a rejoinder which was allowed by the Commission. The Commission has listed the case in the third week of January for next hearing.