Ambush Marketing Case Study

665 Words2 Pages

Knowing the background of ‘Ambush Marketing’s’ way of seeping into marketing arena, on the face of it, it seems the problem is simpler and a solution can be derived with simple application of existing provisions of law. However, that is not the case. There has been lots of research over the existing legal controversy, which suggest for special legislation.
The first legal issue arises over the argument that an event cannot have legal protection, whatever happens in the event cannot be stopped and anyone who observes whatever happens can observe it and no one can stop one from observing, A Free Spectacle. There are instances for which legal remedy is available, like unauthorized use of registered logo on merchandise, false claims of being official sponsor of a team, trespass to property etc.
4.1 Protection existing
There are instances where a legal remedy is not possible. Especially, by sponsoring the broadcaster of the event or when sub categories of the event sponsored, or by purchasing advertising time from an event broadcaster, corporate hospitality and ticketing, engaging in major non-sponsorship promotions. When the ‘ambush marketing’ strategies fall within the IP laws, like trademark, copyright, and passing off they can be regulated, if not regulation needs special laws.
In NHL v. Pepsi Cola, Canada, Pepsi was held liable for Ambush Marketing, as it was not the official sponsor of the event. However, Pepsi was let off as there was no product similarity between NHL and Pepsi, nor was there any IP infringement, like passing off. In the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Ass’n, Inc. v.Telecom New Zealand, the event organizer alleged a Telecom advertisement constituted unfair trading and passing off. The event...

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...s some connection between the event and the ambusher. The consequence of all this is confusion in public. (ii) the registered trademark of the organizer had been used without his permission, for which the remedy could be injunction or payment of profits lost due to such use. (iii) unauthorized replication of the logo, design and emblem of the event.
The instances when the existing provisions of law are not applicable are to these activities; “unauthorized or unofficial merchandise, publications, websites, virtual advertising, sales promotion activities, pager services, unofficial corporate sponsorship, video photography, vide screenings, films, videos and many more”. It is for these activities that need to be regulated, as an ‘ambusher’ while ambushing sees to that he would not ‘ambush market’ in such a way, that his ambushing would be held liable under the law.

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