The Bottom Line The changes to the Rule 40 Guidelines offer significant new opportunities to athletes and their personal sponsors. Yet, marketers seeking to leverage Olympic athletes during the 2020 Tokyo Games will need to agree to broad anti-guerilla marketing prohibitions. For those prepared Continue Reading
German Challenge Further Thaws Olympics “Rule 40” Advertising Restrictions
5th Edition: Trends in Marketing Communications Law The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC’s) "Rule 40" has long restricted athletes from appearing in advertising for companies that are not official sponsors of the Olympics. The restricted blackout period extends from nine days prior to the Continue Reading
NCAA Obtains Injunction Over “March Madness” and “Final Four” Trademarks
The Bottom Line The NCAA has a history of diligently monitoring "Final Four," "March Madness" and other trademarks connected to the Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, and will be quick to act on unauthorized uses, especially when used to market or promote third-party products. Although Continue Reading
Rule 40 Advertising Guidelines Return for the 2018 Winter Olympics, Creating Headaches and Challenges for Winter Olympians and Their Sponsors
The Bottom Line Just as the thrilling victories and agonizing defeats of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio have receded into memory, preparations are already under way for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Advertisers looking to leverage Olympic athletes during PyeongChang 2018 need to proactively put plans Continue Reading