AFA in hot water with...AFA?
Posted by: Big_E 02.15.06 12:01am
Reminiscent of the World Wrestling Federation's long running battle with the World Wildlife Foundation over the WWF acronym and web address, today the Action Figure Authority found itself at odds with the American Family Association.

AFA graded action figures have been huge hits with the various collecting communities, especially those that buy on the auction site eBay. Although the AFA grading service has little in common with the American Family Association, a religious organization, their paths crossed over a recent eBay auction for an AFA graded "God Almighty" action figure.

The actual selling of the figure is not what raised the hackles of the American Family Association but the grade; AFA 75.

"How could the 'God Almighty' action figure not obtain a perfect score of 100," asked American Family Association spokesperson Dr. James Flava?

"Because of this affront we must, in good conscience, bring a lawsuit against the Action Figure Authority for copyright and trademark infringement. The American Family Association wants to disassociate itself from the capitalistic mission of this company."

According to court documents obtained by CreatureCantina.com, American Family Association is suing not only for sole ownership of the "AFA" acronym but for a share of the proceeds earned by AFA's grading service going back to at least 2001.

Action Figure Authority would not accept an interview but in an e-mail from the company lawyer they had this to say:

"Our grading of action figures in no way infringes on the mission of the American Family Association. We maintain our right to provide our services and would actually work with the American Family Association to provide favorable grades for any action figures they may be looking to sell.

Furthermore, we maintain that AFA's high standing in the collecting community will come into play and cause American Family Association to recognize the positive collecting experience we provide."

Collector forums, upon word of this news, had mixed reactions.

Some fans couldn't believe that the figure had obtained such a low score, stating that the owner shouldn't have bothered to send it in. Others posted offers to buy thinking they could get a good deal. Others just posted "AFA Sucks" messages which this reporter wasn't sure if they meant American Family Association or Action Figure Authority, but it probably doesn't matter.