Football (Soccer) World Cup 2022 – Info on Trademarked Brands

Looking to add some world cup fever into your Shop? Great idea, but there are some things you need to watch out for. Not every design can be accepted. Because many brands and logos are legally protected, it’s important not to stray offside.

Explaining Patent Protected

Patent protected products are more than just a tongue twister. They crop up when brand owners – such as companies, sponsors and also associations – have logos, brand names and entire design concepts protected against imitation. That’s why they should be approached with great caution.

If something is patent protected, then the commercial property owners have the right to decide who is allowed to use whatever it is they have legally protected. Think of it like cake, not everyone is willing to share.

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Unsporting Conduct

Once thing is clear: copying the intellectual creative work of an individual person or company without their permission is foul play. A lot of money can be at stake, and taken away from rights holders, when it comes to plagiarism.

Speaking of money, it can get expensive if you start offering protected designs in your Shop or start working them into your designs. Even private individuals are not safe from warnings, high administrative fines or, in the most extreme cases, prison sentences of up to 3 years.

Avoiding a Trademark Red Card

There are countless logos and designs which legally cannot have a place in your squad. Here are a few:

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If you’re unsure whether a design is protected, then have a look at the German Patent and Trademark Office. Their comprehensive data bank has pretty much all you need to know about rights holders in Germany.

A brand can of course be protected in another county as well. That’s where the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUPIO) can come in handy, or the trademark offices in other countries. Some are even globally protected, and you can find out more about them at the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO).

Making a Statement for the Tournament

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There is no hiding the fact that international football has been the subject of widespread criticism for a while now. Working and living conditions in host countries are often abysmal, and environmental concerns are neglected.

Has the World Cup made you feverish for another reason? Would you like to spread a message about making football more inclusive and less destructive? Then feel free to fill your Shop with designs that educate and protest instead.

Are you going to follow the tournament? Or are you more of a baller than an armchair fan? Let us know in the comments!