The song "Hope" made H.O.T popular. The boy band debuted in 1996 and can be said to be South Korea's first-generation idol group. However, it announced its disbandment in 2001, but after many fans After waiting for 17 years, they officially returned together this year, but something like this happened.
H.O.T., as the founder of early Korean Wave, their fans have been calling for the brothers to return since they appeared together in the "66 Songs Infinite Challenge" special program in February this year. 17 years is enough time for the girls who chased them to get married and have children, and for the young and handsome brothers to become stable and mature middle-aged uncles. However, I thought all the resistance had disappeared, and the members began to prepare for the concert together. They also officially announced the time, but they were reported by the owner of the "H.O.T." trademark, who stated that they had not obtained permission. This trademark cannot be used for commercial purposes.
The trademark issue is one of the problems that arise when many old combinations cannot be integrated. This problem means that these combinations can no longer be put into action and come out together. Most comebacks involve re-signing with the former agency, partly because they have worked together before and are more familiar with each other, and partly because of the brand. For example, when Shinhwa broke up with SM, Shinhwa was able to continue its activities on the music stage under the name "Shinhwa" by purchasing the rights to use the trademark.
Although SM has not officially announced H.O.T’s reunion concert, it has already interacted with members on Instagram and retweeted concert-related content. In the eyes of fans, as h.o.t's agent at that time, h.o.t's trademark rights will be in the hands of SM. SM's forwarding was seen as a breakdown in the relationship between the member and the company. There is even speculation that if the H.O.T. band plans to return to music with new songs, it will return to SM in the form of a portfolio contract.
However, not long after the members announced the concert time, a person who gave himself the pseudonym A came out and claimed that he had chosen the members of H.O.T. at that time, and that he was H.O.T. The holder of the trademark believes that the use of the trademark in official concert promotions and related follow-up matters without his permission violates trademark rights.
A claimed that he had a deep relationship with the members. When the group disbanded due to contract issues, he also gave the members a lot of support and help, and they were close friends. At the same time, Mr. A pointed out that he was not doing it for money. For example, the stage of the "Infinite Challenge" program at the beginning of the year also required the use of the H.O.T trademark. The writer from the program producer called to communicate with him. He believed that the show was not for making money, so he agreed to use the trademark.
A claims that he has a good relationship with the members. When they disbanded due to contract issues, he also gave the members a lot of support and help. This is a close relationship. He also said that he did not do it for money. For example, at the beginning of the "Infinite Challenge" project, he also used the trademark H.O.T. However, the producer of the show called him to communicate and said that the show was not for making money, so he agreed to it. Use of Trademarks.
However, in A’s opinion, this concert is not for giving back to the society and doing charity, so he cannot agree to use this trademark for free. According to A, if it is a public performance for profit, then the royalties should be paid as royalties in accordance with international standards. Currently, A and H.O.T's performance plan are undergoing company negotiations, but the two parties have not reached an agreement. The September 7 public ticket sale date previously announced by its official website also appears to violate trademark law.
Today is the public ticket sale time for H.O.T’s concert. Currently, there is no relevant ticket information. I wonder if this comeback concert can be opened normally? I hope A and H.O.T can reach an agreement. No matter what, fans’ 17-year expectations cannot be let down just like this!