Do I have to get a license to sell NFL or any sports team merchandise on-line?
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Do I have to get a license to sell NFL or any sports team merchandise on-line?
This would be a hand made item with actual team names and logos. I see other for sake items listed as “officially licensed”, is that a requirement? If so, what is the process?
Asked on December 8, 2014 under Business Law, Missouri
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You *cannot* use the team names and logos, which are the intellectual property (trademarks and/or copyright) of the teams without their permission; if you do, you'd could be sued by them for damages or compensation, such as *all* your profit, and have to destroy any unsold inventory as well. So you need their permission, which is what you mean by a "license"--they could "license" you to make and sell such items. To find out what's involved and what the cost might be, call or otherwise contact the teams' marketing or licensing departments/offices.
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