Early Bowman Baseball Article - Halting Leaf Gum...

[Archive]

Posted By: Jeff Shepherd

I know, I've been posting quite a bit recently. Just been going through the archives and want to get info to interested parties. No sense in having it buried - we all benefit when it's out there. Anyway, found this small article in an industry periodical dated June 7th, 1949. I know of the Bowman/Topps legal battles - interesting that this pre-dates all that, and involves Leaf.

What are your thoughts? Was their a Leaf wrapper variation because of this?

[Archive]

Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

JEFF

Thanx for showing us this. Have you read my Old Cardboard article on the 1949 Leaf BB set ?

I mention in this article of the Base Ball Gum wars between these two Gum Co. Shown here is one of the major "bones" of contention.
In 1948 and 1949 Bowman marketed their BB cards with the banner...."BASE BALL BUBBLE GUM" on their wrapper (shown on left scan).
In 1949 Leaf Gum came out with the same notation on their wrappers. Bowman sued Leaf on this and the rights to portray certain players.
Bowman won and Leaf changed their wrapper to read "PICTURES" (instead of BASE BALL). Also, they curtailed their 2nd series BB issue.

TED Z



edited scan size

[Archive]

Posted By: Jeff Shepherd

Hi Ted -

I'm playing 15yrs of catchup - definitely need to get some back issues (and a subscription) to Old Cardboard. Great scans - I think Bowman had a legitimate argument.

[Archive]

Posted By: Paul

Bowman later sued Topps for using the phrase "Baseball" on their wrappers. Topps won. The court ruled anyone selling baseball cards can use the word baseball.