Can You Copyright a Sport?

Copyright Protection in Sports

A sporting event itself is not copyrightable under US law. Rules of the game can be protected by copyright. You need to publish the details on the sport, either online (on a website, video, etc.) and on paper.

Broadcasting Rights in Professional Sports

Here are some examples of IP in professional sports. Broadcasting Rights. Some people have canceled other subscriptions and subscribed only to a single site that streams one sport, for example, tennis. Broadcasting rights are bought by both standard media companies, as well as those which stream online.

Patent Protection for Sports Moves

Sports moves are viewed as a method and cannot be protected as a patent. Nowadays, sports methods and other movements of the human body have been granted patents by the Patent Office. Patent protection might be considered for moves that impart a useful result, such as faster races or longer jumps.

Protecting Sports Moves

At least three forms of intellectual property protection might be used to secure rights in sports moves. Patent protection might be considered for moves that impart a useful result, such as faster races or longer jumps. Copyright protection might be available for moves that are creative, just as copyright may subsist in the choreography of a dance. Trademark or service mark protection might be available for moves that come to indicate a unique source of goods or services.

General Sports Related Legalities

Until recently, most commentators believed that patents for sports techniques were an uncertain proposition at best. The Arena Football League, for instance, recently became the only league.

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