Ski industry icon Warren Miller today released statements addressing the recently completed legal action that his former company, Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) took against him. He also announced the re-launch of the Warren Miller Company, an organization representing his professional and philanthropic interests initially established two decades ago.
“I am reinvigorated and flattered by the outpouring of support from skiers and friends all over the world and can’t wait to see everyone again”
A Colorado arbitration panel denied WME’s claim for breach of contract against Miller, as WME could not prove that Miller’s appearance in the Level 1 Productions film, Refresh, caused any harm to WME. The panel reaffirmed that WME owns the rights to Miller’s name as it pertains to ski films and magazines, but nothing else.
“As most of you can imagine, I greatly prefer spending time on a snowy mountain to being stuck defending myself in arbitration, but it was worth standing up for what is right and I am glad the panel found that I did not breach any contract,” said Warren Miller. “For WME to say or imply that they have exclusive rights to my name, personal endorsement, voice, and likeness for all endeavors is both legally false and totally absurd. I have not been involved with my old company’s films in any capacity for many years now and I will not work with WME again.”
“Now that the arbitration panel has reiterated that Warren is free to use his own name, likeness, voice, and brand in anything outside of ski movies, we are renewing and accelerating development of several ground-breaking projects within the ski industry and beyond,” said Colin Kaufmann, Warren Miller Company CEO. “While it is unfortunate for Warren and for his fans that he will be unable to participate in ski films for the foreseeable future, we are excited to move forward with Warren to re-connect with many generations of friends and fans to foster his genuine legacy.”
With the arbitration process now complete, one of the projects soon to be publicly launched is ‘An Evening with Warren Miller,’ a touring event in which Warren will personally re-connect with audiences in select US and Canadian cities through an open discussion about his uniquely entertaining life experiences followed by Q&A. During the past several years, the Warren Miller Company has quietly managed Miller’s professional and philanthropic development affairs.
“I am reinvigorated and flattered by the outpouring of support from skiers and friends all over the world and can’t wait to see everyone again,” said Miller. “I am excited about the future, especially now that ski season is just around the corner.”
The Warren Miller Company represents ski industry legend Warren Miller’s professional and philanthropic interests. In addition to varied commercial areas, this includes the Warren Miller Freedom Foundation whose mission is to educate aspiring youth and adults in the fundamental principles of entrepreneurship by sharing the skills necessary to become successful, ethical members of the business community. The company is redeveloping its Web site and invites everyone to stay in-touch with Warren via Facebook, at www.facebook.com/warrenmiller.
