The NCAA men's national basketball tournament is right around the corner. So now is a good time remind those of you planning advertising and marketing campaigns that the NCAA owns trademark rights in a number of very familiar phrases and slogans associated with the event, such as:
- FINAL FOUR
- ELITE EIGHT
- NCAA SWEET SIXTEEN
- THE ROAD TO THE FINAL FOUR
- THE BIG DANCE
- MARCH MADNESS
There are ways of using these phrases that don't run afoul of the law. But it can get tricky. So a word to the wise: If you're thinking about using any of these phrases to market your goods or services, think again. And talk to a trademark lawyer before proceeding.
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