Merchandising

Solicitors here can advise on the exploitation of intellectual property rights through merchandising. A person owning the rights to a well-known trade mark or logo or for example a sporting organisation can offer to a manufacturer the right to use the trademark or name or logo or name of the organisation for promoting the sale of specified merchandise to the general public. The manufacturer depends on the public's attraction to or recognition of the trademark or logo or organisation to induce them to buy the merchandise. Similarly, a well-known athlete or sports person or other person in the public eye can offer his name or image. Exploitation of these rights are known as "merchandising".

Merchandising can be a very profitable business. However, protection of merchandising rights in law can be difficult to achieve. Piracy of merchandising rights or their unauthorised use is a serious risk to a manufacturer who has attractive and marketable products and who has been granted merchandising rights to a high-profile name. A well-drafted contract is essential for the protection of the parties.

Our solicitors advise on and draft merchandising contracts.