The risk small businesses face when using 'World Cup' in marketing

The risk small businesses face when using ‘World Cup’ in marketing

The World Cup is a massive sporting event, with matches happening all over the U.S. And if your business is planning to host a watch party, promotion, giveaway, or social media campaign tied to it, it’s important to note that not all event-related marketing is treated the same way. While businesses can generally talk about sporting events and join in on the conversation, official logos and branding are often protected by trademark law.

The way small businesses are using these major sporting events to attract customers matters. Restaurants and bars host viewing parties. Retailers run promotions and giveaways. Service businesses create themed content. But beware that some marketing campaigns can unintentionally suggest an official connection or sponsorship when none exists.

As Rocket Lawyer explains in this article, there is no need to avoid the event entirely; you just need to understand where the line is. Participating in the excitement can quickly turn into using event-related branding in a way that could suggest sponsorship, endorsement, or an official connection, which is where most issues arise.

What Exactly Are World Cup Trademarks?

Organizations like FIFA invest heavily in protecting their intellectual property. This includes everything from logos and mascots to official slogans and other smaller branding elements associated with the event.

For businesses, the biggest risk becomes marketing in any way that appears to imply an official relationship with the event. For example, simply mentioning the name “World Cup” is often permissible, but using official logos in advertisements or promoting your business as an official partner when it isn't could raise concerns.

This doesn't mean you can't acknowledge the event. Many businesses successfully run overarching soccer-themed promotions, viewing parties, and related marketing without claiming affiliation.

The determining factor is understanding whether your marketing could reasonably lead customers to believe your business is sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the event.

Common Marketing Situations That Can Create Risk

Business owners are often surprised to learn that the risk comes from how marketing is presented, not just the words used.

Some situations worth reviewing include:

• Using official event logos or artwork in advertisements.
• Running contests or giveaways that suggest an official partnership.
• Creating sponsorship promotions that imply any kind of endorsement.
• Using protected branding on non-official merchandise or products.
• Posting content with marketing materials that combine your brand with official imagery.

Make sure your promotions focus on your business rather than someone else's protected intellectual property. Times when major events are happening are especially important because they attract increased attention from trademark owners seeking to protect their brands.

Questions You Should Ask Before Using a Trademarked Term in Your Marketing

Before launching a promotion, ask yourself a few key questions:

• Am I using official logos, artwork, or branding? If so, do I have permission to use them?
• Could customers think my business is officially connected to the event? Does my marketing imply sponsorship or endorsement?
• Am I hosting a watch party or having any promotions? How am I describing the event in my advertising?
• Have I reviewed my marketing materials for trademark concerns? Would a legal professional identify any potential issues before launch?

These questions can help you spot potential risks before it's too late, and a campaign is already live.

Next Steps

A few practical steps can help; you don't have to sit out major sporting events to protect your business:

1. Review promotional materials before publishing them. 
Pay special attention to logos, graphics/designs, and sponsorship language.

2. Focus on your own brand.
Build campaigns around your products and services rather than official event branding.

3. Train employees and marketing partners. 
Make sure everyone understands what materials can and cannot be used.

4. If you're unsure, ask for guidance. Legal professionals can help you identify potential trademark concerns, and can review higher-risk campaigns before launch.

Major events like the World Cup create valuable opportunities to engage customers. With a little planning, you can join the excitement while reducing risk and centering on your own brand.

This story was produced by Rocket Lawyer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.