The World Cup's Intellectual Property Grip: A Warning for Businesses and Freedom of Expression The upcoming FIFA World Cup in Toronto promises to be a thrilling event, with tens of thousands of football fans descending upon the city.
However, amidst the excitement, businesses are facing a harsh reality: operating within the complex web of intellectual property rules that FIFA has put in place.
FIFA's strict trademark policies may seem reasonable on the surface – major sponsors like Coca Cola and Adidas pay millions to associate themselves with the event.