From the Pitch to the Register: How Athletes Build Brands Through Trademarks

As you already know, athletes often register trademarks to strengthen their brand!

Registering their name, nickname, distinctive gestures, or logo as a trademark is a way to protect yourself against unauthorized use in the context of clothing, gadgets, cosmetics, or other products.

Examples of such trademarks?

1) Robert Lewandowski, who has registered his name and symbols associated with his nickname RL9, e.g., for clothing, beverages, supplements, and sports accessories.

2) Iga Świątek, who has registered her name for goods such as cosmetics, perfumes, clothing, and various types of beverages.

3) Kylian Mbappé – who has so far registered numerous trademarks with the EUIPO, for example, his name in various versions of the word and graphic mark, or marks such as his reaction to scoring a goal, “ZEBRA VALLEY”, or the phrase “Le football, il a changé.”

They clearly show how the world of sports overlaps with the world of trademarks!