Athlete IP: How Can Athletes Protect and Profit from Their Signature Celebrations?

Description

The article "Athlete IP: How Can Athletes Protect and Profit from Their Signature Celebrations?" examines how athletes can safeguard and monetize their signature moves through intellectual property (IP) rights. It discusses the application of copyright and trademark laws to protect distinctive celebrations, referencing the Hanagami v. Epic Games case, which recognized short-form choreography as eligible for copyright protection. The article also addresses challenges posed by generative AI and media fragmentation in enforcing these rights. Furthermore, it suggests that leagues, teams, and sponsors adopt collaborative IP frameworks, such as joint ownership and multi-tiered licensing models, to effectively manage and commercialize these protected expressions.