Abisoye Law Corporation Discusses FIFA Trademark Issues on Radio-Canada
With Vancouver set to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, businesses across Canada are exploring ways to engage with one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events. From marketing campaigns and promotional giveaways to public viewing events and branded activations, the opportunities are significant. So too are the legal considerations.
On June 9, 2026, our Principal Lawyer, Tobi Abisoye, appeared on ICI Radio-Canada Télé, the French-language television network of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), to discuss the use of FIFA trademarks and the intellectual property issues businesses should keep in mind as excitement around the tournament continues to grow.
“Businesses can certainly participate in the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup, but it is important to understand where celebration ends and trademark infringement begins.”
— Tobi Abisoye, Principal Lawyer, Abisoye Law Corporation
The interview focused on the distinction between celebrating the World Cup and creating the impression of an official sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with FIFA where none exists. As businesses look for creative ways to participate in the excitement, understanding where that line is drawn becomes increasingly important.
FIFA’s trademarks, logos, branding elements, and other intellectual property rights are protected. While businesses can generally reference or discuss the tournament, the unauthorized use of protected branding or marketing that suggests an official connection to FIFA may expose organizations to legal risk.
Key Considerations for Businesses
Businesses planning World Cup-related promotions should consider:
- Whether their marketing materials reference FIFA trademarks, logos, or protected branding elements.
- Whether consumers could mistakenly perceive an official relationship with FIFA.
- Whether promotional campaigns, contests, giveaways, or events may create sponsorship implications.
- Whether legal review is advisable before launching a World Cup-related campaign.
During the discussion, Tobi shared insights on the importance of careful planning when developing World Cup-related campaigns and the value of seeking legal guidance before launching promotions tied to major sporting events.
The conversation also reflected themes explored during Abisoye Law Corporation’s recent webinar on the intellectual property implications of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Content Creators and Businesses
You can watch the full ICI Radio-Canada Télé interview here.
As the tournament approaches, businesses should take proactive steps to ensure that their marketing and promotional activities comply with applicable trademark laws and event-related intellectual property protections. Early legal review can help identify potential concerns, reduce risk, and provide greater certainty when planning campaigns and activations.
Abisoye Law Corporation remains available to assist businesses and organizations seeking guidance on trademark compliance, intellectual property protection, and marketing-related legal considerations.
