SPORTSIPLAW // Should sports moves be protected by IP law?

Description

The article examines the potential for IP law to safeguard unique sports movements. Kett 2021 categorizes these moves into four types: signature style, singularities, scripted plays, and celebratory movements. The article also evaluates the applicability of various IP protections – patents, copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity, and trade secrets – to each category. The analysis reveals that current IP laws offer limited protection for sports moves, leading the author to question whether such protection is necessary or beneficial for innovation in sports.