Introduction: BTOB, a prominent K-pop group, is currently in discussions with Cube Entertainment regarding the trademark rights for their group name. This development comes after Cube Entertainment officially announced that BTOB has parted ways with the agency following the expiration of their contracts, marking the end of an 11-year partnership.
The Contract Negotiations: Reports initially surfaced on November 1, indicating that as BTOB, a beloved K-pop group, approached their second contract renewal with Cube, several other agencies, including AB6IX, expressed interest in signing the group with a substantial contract fee of 6 billion won (approximately $4.6 million). Despite these tempting offers, all BTOB members, including Minhyuk, were determined to keep the group together and had been negotiating contract terms with Cube Entertainment up to the final stages.
Trademark Rights at the Center: However, the renewal negotiations took an unexpected turn when Cube Entertainment requested a portion of the group’s total revenue in exchange for granting them the trademark rights to use the name “BTOB.” The demand for trademark rights became a significant point of contention during the discussions.
Cube Entertainment’s Response: In response to these reports and speculations, Cube Entertainment issued a statement to clarify the situation. They emphasized that the contract fee mentioned in various articles was not a matter that had been discussed with them, and the source of such information remained unknown. Regarding the group name “BTOB,” Cube Entertainment stated that they were actively engaged in discussions with the members, including Minhyuk and Peniel, concerning trademark rights. However, the agency refrained from providing specific details or verifying the sources of the information mentioned in the articles.
Background: BTOB made their debut under Cube Entertainment in 2012. In 2018, all members of BTOB had renewed their exclusive contracts with Cube Entertainment.
This development in BTOB’s journey raises questions about the dynamics between K-pop groups and entertainment agencies, especially when it comes to trademark rights and contract negotiations. Additionally, the involvement of AB6IX and Minhyuk from Monsta X adds an intriguing layer to the story.
Conclusion: As BTOB ventures into a new chapter without Cube Entertainment, fans eagerly await the resolution of the trademark rights discussions. The future of the group, with notable members like Minhyuk and Peniel, remains a subject of interest for both fans and the K-pop industry as a whole.
Stay tuned for more updates!
