Topps is suing. We knew it would happen. I don't see how Topps can win this though.Here's one of my favorite lines in the updated version of the Associated Press story: "Topps said its competitor's cards will confuse or deceive customers because each of the Upper Deck designs are nearly identical to the Topps cards." Is this really what this is about, deception of customers?
Topps wants UD's O-Pee-Chee insert cards that mimic the '75 Topps design "thrown out" and "destroyed." Not that they'll come calling for it, but I know that Topps can take my 2009 Upper Deck OPC Matt Kemp card from me when they pry it from my cold, dead hands. Or they can take it by providing me with some much needed cash. Because we all know that's what this is all about.
Comments
In an unprecedented event, Upper Deck is purchasing all 2009 cards from retailers and wholesalers. This 'buy-back' program insures that there will be plenty of cards to be re-released in future years.
Upper Deck has decided to take this route because for once, management actually destroyed all of the printing plates and can no longer print cards at will.
Although our competitors see this as a victory for them, we view this as an opportunity to provide the collectors with something that we think they might want in the coming years. We also have some of those X cards that we might try to slip in.
We thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you in three to seven years. Maybe five if we behave well.