The New York State Bar Association published an article on May 20 discussing the significance of trademark registration and enforcement in relation to the National Football League’s “Super Bowl” brand. The article highlights how the NFL has built a strong legal framework around its intellectual property, particularly focusing on United States Patent and Trademark Office registration number 882283 for “Super Bowl,” which was registered in December 1969.
The topic is relevant because it underscores the importance of protecting valuable trademarks, not only for large organizations like the NFL but also as a general principle in intellectual property law. The article explains that enforcing these rights helps prevent dilution or misuse that could undermine a mark’s value.
Trademark lawyers working for the NFL are described as vigilant, sending cease and desist letters to those who use “Super Bowl” without permission. According to Mitchell Stabbe, quoted from an article on Broadcast Law blog, “Simply put, the NFL views any commercial activity that uses or refers to the ‘Super Bowl’ to draw attention as a violation of its trademark rights. Many of the activities challenged by the league undoubtedly deserve to be penalized. However, the NFL’s rule book defines trademark violations very broadly. If anyone were willing to throw the red flag to challenge the league’s position, a review from the booth might reverse some of those calls, but seeking review of the NFL’s play may be risky and would almost certainly be time-consuming and expensive.”
The piece also outlines hypothetical scenarios involving small businesses using “Super Bowl” in promotions or advertisements and notes potential legal risks even for newspapers running such ads. An advisory from Pennsylvania News Media Association states: “If a trademark is not owned by an advertiser or the advertiser has not gotten permission to use the trademark, the trademark owner can sue for an injunction against future printing. The newspaper is not liable for damages unless it publishes…knowing that it would cause confusion or deceive purchasers.”
Historical context is provided with details about early Super Bowls and how media usage eventually led to official adoption of “Super Bowl” by year three after initially being called AFL-NFL Championship games.
The New York State Bar Association fosters cultural and social well-being through initiatives promoting equal access to justice and public understanding of law; it advances professional success among members while upholding rule of law; supports legislative efforts related to justice; operates out of Albany; extends services globally with members in all U.S. states and over 100 countries worldwide—all according to their official website.
As interest in football remains high sixty years after its inception, vigilance over trademarks like “Super Bowl” continues as both business strategy and legal necessity.
