Ambush Marketing

When Is Event Branding Unauthorized in Ambush Marketing?

  • In ambush marketing, event branding is unauthorized when a brand uses it without a license or approval from the owner of those rights. Permission from a team, athlete, or broadcaster does not automatically allow the brand to use protected branding owned by the event organizer.
  • Because the rights holder controls promotional use, a non-sponsor must obtain approval before using protected branding in a campaign.
  • Before using event branding, a brand must check which names, logos, images, and promotional activities its license covers.
  • Even with permission, using the branding beyond the approved purpose or period may be unauthorized.
  • Around one event, teams, athletes, broadcasters, and organizers can each control different rights.
  • Since each agreement covers only specified rights, approval from one party does not include branding owned by another.