A Multitude of Gaps – From Publicity Rights to Ambush Marketing

The protection of the Intellectual Property Rights of any and every valid discovery is an imperative step in the assurance that the fruit of their hard work will belong to them. It will not be taken away from them and no undeserving copycats will benefit from their effort. Intellectual Property Rights play a huge role in protecting ownership and the work product in several industries across the world, the sports industry and sports law are one of the major players amongst them. The principles of Intellectual property demarcate and uphold authenticity. Sport is a prime example of a discipline that relies on authenticity and genuineness. And as days turn weeks, we observe a steady increase in the necessity to reinforce the need for Intellectual Property Rights in Sports. The avenues for applying IP Rights are extensive in every sports arena. This ranges from the manufacturing process of a particular golf ball to the guidelines imposed by the International Olympic Committee for the Protection of the Olympic Symbol under the Nairobi Treaty. Today IP Rights are moreover used to enable the rights of the sponsors and the stakeholders in particular events. This article is aimed at gaining a broader understanding of the combined applications of the two disciplines, IPR and sports law in a global outlook.