Expert: PD - 3/2/2004

Question
Hi, I emailed you about a month ago concerning finding the rights to 3M Bookshelf Games.  Thank you so much for the information you gave us- it was among the most helpful info we received in our search.  We are, incidentally, still searching.  We've been told several times by the legal departments, branding departments, and licensing departments of Hasbro, Avalon Hill, and Wizards of the Coast that they will not make that information public.  I find this strange, since you would think they would want to declare ownership if they had it.  I think they probably don't own all the rights, like you suggested in your last response.  

I've virtually exhausted all my options- In our last effort to locate the rights before we turn all this over to our lawyer, I was wondering if you could provide me with some info about Jack and Eric Dott.  

Eric is father and Jack is son, correct?  Are either of them still working at AH? AND, if we contacted Jack (or Eric) directly, could they give us more information?  Would you recommend it?

By the way, my boss is curious what you do.  He was quite impressed with your games prowess.

Thanks again for your time...
-Jenn Knight

Answer
Hello again Jenn,

You have me at a huge disadvantage.  What is the company you work for and who is your boss?  Sounds to me you would like to republish some of these games… that would be good thing.  Would love to help!

Keep in mind when you deal today with Avalon Hill, Wizards of the Coast, MicroProse, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, TSR and Multi Man publishing, you are dealing with Hasbro.  My bet is Hasbro blew their Due Diligence when they acquired Avalon Hill.  

Hasbro bought AH for $6 million which at the time an employee of AH posted the "secret" news, on August 4, 1998, on AH's website.  Management immediately pulled it down from the website: too late!  Word got out.  Hasbro got the AH and Victory Games imprints, inventory, copyrights, and trademarks.  This included rights for about 300 games.  From July 14 to August 4, 1998 (only three weeks) Avalon Hill sold out to Hasbro.  As most acquisitions take much longer than that to reach agreement, its likely something was missed.  Both Hasbro and Avalon Hill were very concerned with settling AH's suit with MicroProse (at the time) over rights to the  "Civilization" game.  AH settled with MicroProse, paying MicroProse $411,000 on July 14, 1998.  Funny thing after that is then Hasbro bought MicroProse for $70 million on August 12, 1998.

The Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company (3M) deal was signed with Avalon Hill in late 1976.  Eric (Papa) Dott brokered this deal personally.  This deal included all titles, the entire line of games, with the stipulation that the production quality of the 3M line would be maintained.  Dott succeeded in acquiring these fine leisure time games, which enabled AH to get their war games into existing 3M outlets that had previously shunned them.  Nice piece of clever marketing for President Dott.

Yes, Eric is the oldest; Jack is his son (called Baby Dott).  Both are still involved with Monarch Services, Inc. and own about 44% of the company that now features "Girl's Life" magazine.  Dotts are no longer involved with AH.  They stopped being a concern of AH when it was sold to Hasbro.  Monarch's stock ticker is: MAHI located on the NASDAQ-SC.  Jack's last email address that I have is: jydson@mindspring.com (probably now: jydson@earthlink.net or jydson@girlslife.com).  Voice: 410-254-9200.  Ask for, "Jackson Dott."

As far as what I do: everything!  Online Website Marketing, Marketing Director of Operational Studies Group, Free Lance Board Game Designer, Game Convention Host, Managed a retail game store in a high profile trafficked "Monster Mall" for six years back in the day too.  Oh, I collect games and play them.  I also play test and offer critiques and reviews of various game titles.  I am currently looking for more work too.

Regards,

Paul

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