IP Tech Knowledgy

Your football team has made the playoffs yet again (Go Ravens!). You are hoping for a deep run this year and considering over a month of using marketing or merchandise with the team logo or name — or the name or likeness of the star quarterback (MVP! MVP!), dominant running back, crafty receivers, or refashioned secondary — on your website, social media, marketing materials, or clothing. Trademark law prohibits use of a team’s logo or other trademarks that will confuse consumers into believing there is some affiliation, connection, association, sponsorship or approval between the team and you. (The same rules apply to non-playoff contenders or businesses in general.)  Acceptable uses are — for a Ravens fan — using a purple font or purple background or saying “Go Ravens” in your materials. Using words such as “Flock” or “Nevermore” are also defensible. However, using the team’s logo or creating a context that implies official sponsorship or connection with the team could subject you to liability. T-shirt purveyors can be creative and come close to the line. However, be careful: at this time of year, the NFL is policing the marketplace more rigorously. Using a player’s name, image, or likeness without permission, is a personal foul subject to penalties far more expensive than 15 yards. 

NB: This repeats advice given this time in past years and will be repeated each year when the Ravens are in the playoffs.