Don’t get penalty over World Cup copyright, London pubs warned

BOOZERS in East London using the World Cup to help pull more pints could face financial penalties if they infringe FIFA and FA copyright, a top City lawyer has warned. Pubs, hotels, cafes, retailers, websites and other businesses could face hefty payouts

By Mike Brooke

BOOZERS in East London using the World Cup to help pull more pints could face financial penalties if they infringe FIFA and FA copyright, a top City lawyer has warned.

Pubs, hotels, cafes, retailers, websites and other businesses could face hefty payouts, according to intellectual property’ expert Clive Halperin, a partner at GSC law firm.

Those found using protected emblems, words or logos of any football team or player could find themselves in the penalty zone.

“Business no matter what size should check they are adhering to copyright and trademark guidelines and have licenses,” he says.

“They are within the law to organise campaigns around the World Cup, but football authorities and clubs are notoriously keen to protect their brands.”

A disclaimer confirming there is no affiliation with the World Cup or the England team may be one way to avoid legal action.

But a small print’ disclaimer will not be enough to overcome in your face’ suggestions of endorsement, Clive wards. They won’t protect traders from a claim of copyright or trade mark infringement.

Good news is that the England flag isn’t copyright, nor any other national flag, nor the phrase World Cup.’

So East End boozers planning to set up big screens can kick off and wave the flag without risking an own goal.