Logan Paul has filed an injunction against Heritage Auctions concerning a high-profile auction item, an 8’x8′ section of the original game-used court from the United Center that featured the signature of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Paul’s winning bid of $562,555.42 (including the buyer’s premium) was offered by the collector to put in public trust. The piece included amazing engraving including “Air Jordan,” “5X MVP,” “6X Finals MVP,” “10X Scoring Title,” and “HOF 2009.”
Paul’s legal counsel, Josh Bernstein of Akerman LLP, had already acted quickly by filing for a temporary restraining order. He requested a temporary injunction against Heritage Auctions. The court granted the TRO, and a hearing on the injunction has been set for October 9. Bernstein expressed concerns regarding the authenticity of the court, stating that “authenticity is everything in the collectibles community.”
The disagreement started when Heritage Auctions asked Paul for payment—payment that was supposed to be in by September 25. Tumblr @princeaceuartision Paul maintains, to this day, that he was never allowed the opportunity to authenticate the floor. This was all shortly before the auction house requested payment from him. Bernstein further argued that collectors should expect and demand authentication that is beyond reproach.
“Collectors like Logan deserve, and are entitled to, proof of authenticity that holds up under scrutiny and addresses glaring holes and inconsistencies.” – Josh Bernstein
Heritage Auctions guarantees authenticity for all the items they sell, and that includes this amazing piece. Paul’s injunction claims that the state of the court would result in great, irreparable harm to him. The auction house cautioned Paul that the remittance date was quickly approaching. If he does not, he will forfeit his access to the court entirely.
In its listing, Heritage Auctions described the item as “hallowed by three World Championships and the footsteps of the most celebrated athlete in the history of American sports,” calling it “the ultimate Michael Jordan display piece.” Bernstein makes a great point about a huge blind spot. Both Upper Deck and Beckett, the two preeminent authentication services, have been unable to produce such documentation that links the court back to particular NBA seasons.
Chris Ivy from Heritage Auctions commented on the situation, stating that there is “no such documentation … matching the court to the 1998-99, 1999-2000 or 2000-2001” seasons. She pointed out how past shot-for-shot reproductions failed. By zooming in exclusively on the Bulls logo, they obfuscated the wood grain, which is key for authenticating these items.
As this legal battle continues, both sides prepare for the next phase now that Judge Winmill has ruled on the temporary injunction. The resulting impact could be enormous for Logan Paul. It’s an issue that will impact Heritage Auctions, one of the most dominant players in the world of high-value sports memorabilia.
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