SUMMER 2024 There may be business opportunities surrounding this summers EUROs but make sure you check out the copyright rules around brands and logos A month-long feast of football kicks off on Friday 14 June with the UEFA EURO 2024 in Munich, culminating with the final in Berlin. Businesses may see the tournament and the build-up to it as an opportunity to increase takings through the sale of food and drink or clothing and memorabilia associated with UEFA EURO 2024 and the competing nations. The unauthorised use of any UEFA or other registered trademarks may result in businesses breaching the Trade Marks Act 1994 Those businesses looking to manufacture or sell clothing or memorabilia should be aware that UEFA protects a large variety of brand assets, including logos, words, titles, and symbols, using trademarks and copyright. These brand assets are used under licence by UEFAs commercial partners which will have paid a licence fee for their use. Before considering manufacturing goods bearing any of the logos associated with the competition, businesses should familiarise themselves with the protection afforded to the logos and check whether they will need a licence. Firms may also look to take advantage of fan loyalty, with both England and Scotland represented at the tournament, to produce goods with logos associated with our national teams. But the Football Association and the Scottish Football Association operate in similar ways to UEFA to protect their registered brands. Retailers who purchase goods sporting any of the logos associated with the competition or any of the competing nations should check they are not counterfeit and are produced by a business with the appropriate licence. Protect yourself: Only purchase goods from conventional sources and official suppliers; avoid buying from anyone you do not know, or you have never met before and who you are unable to contact again. Whenever you buy, always get an itemised and dated receipt showing any VAT paid and the VAT registration number. Hand-written receipts may be suspect. Be suspicious of prices that are too cheap for branded goods; they are not likely to be genuine. If you have any concerns about goods you are offered or have purchased, contact the manufacturer or Trading Standards for advice. The unauthorised use of any UEFA or other registered trademark may result in individuals or businesses breaching the Trade Marks Act 1994 and committing criminal offences; they may also find themselves subject to civil litigation. Advice on complying with Intellectual Property law is available on the government website. To anonymously report a business selling goods in breach of the law, call 0300 303 2636. Credit: Ian Bell, Trading Standards Officer Image: iStock.com / Maha1450 Anonymous Hotline For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.