The 2010 FIFA World CupTM Product Licensing Programme is being handled by FIFA’s exclusive Licensing Representative, Global Brands Group. The Company’s role includes creating and selling official licensed products for retail, developing and operating FIFA-branded stores and managing all on-site merchandising at FIFA events.
Global Brands Group’s responsibilities further include identifying and negotiating with suitable potential licensees. They also monitor licensees’ promotional and sales activities and approve the use of the Official Event Marks on Official Licensed Products.
“As the South African arm of Global Brands Group it is our responsibility to ensure the FIFA brand and reputational symbols including trademarks, copyrights, graphics, logos and slogans are protected at all times. The legal agreement for companies to use these symbols is called a license which is sold to selected companies,” says Paul Zacks, General Manager of Global Brands Group.
“The license typically allows them the use of intellectual property for a predetermined amount of time, in a specific geographic area, in exchange for a defined payment or series of payments, called royalties. Our commitment is to only sell licenses to the best-in-class South African manufacturers and paramount distribution companies that best fit FIFA’s global vision.”
The strategy behind the FIFA brand is to create a portfolio of selected product categories, which appeal to local and international soccer fans alike.
Companies or individuals not licensed by Global Brands Group will not be able to manufacture or distribute products bearing any of the official FIFA marks. It is illegal and officials in South Africa will confiscate illegal goods wherever found. Hefty fines and imprisonment may also apply.
Stresses Zacks, “As it is a serious offence to carry unofficial or pirated goods, we are encouraging the South African retail community to only purchase and sell official FIFA products.”
Global Brands Group will design and create different product ranges that will offer all South Africans the opportunity to purchase Official FIFA products. Retailers can purchase products at wholesale from approved Global Brands Group distributors, and need not obtain a license to sell official FIFA licensed products.
“We have considered every segment of the South African market and encourage shopkeepers and hawkers to benefit from access to official FIFA licensed products, in the same ways larger retailers would,” adds Zacks.
Global Brands Group emphasises that even though it has signed up a number of licensees, many viable business opportunities are still available for selected categories.
Concludes Zacks, “The spotlight will be on South Africa during the FIFA Confederations Cup in preparation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as millions of soccer fans in South Africa and around the world will be watching and celebrating this momentous event. Global Brands Group is excited to be involved and looks forward to stimulating and growing South African business opportunities both for 2010TM and beyond.”
I would like more info on licencing to sell FIFa products in my shop.
I’m also interested and would love sell FIFA products, how do i abtain a licence?
Here is a link to their website http://www.globalbrandsgroup.com/en/home/and email enquiries@globalbrandsgroup.com
I cannot access their website and also they haven’t responded to my email for enquiries. Do you peharps have their contact details?
I have sent emails to the Global Brands Group and am yet to get a reply. I went to their main website and downloaded an application for a license.
It clearly favors big corporates and not SME’s. The requirements are too many. My question is this: If we(SME’s) don’t fit the criteria because we don’t have large guarantees in the bank, whats stopping people from selling 2010 world cup items without paying royalties?
I am more than willing to pay royalties,just give me the go-ahead. But expecting SME’s with little or no access to capital to buy a license and offer audited accounts for years is very biased.
Hi
Will you please give more information about the licencing my productfor the coming 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP.
My product is SOUTH AFRICAN patent product which Iwant to produce for 2010
world cup in SOUTH AFRICA.
Also provide me with contact details of the releventb people regarding the above concern
I wouid like to licence my product (indigenous craft ) at the world cup it can be sold by retailers and hawkers: Who do I contact ? Thanks,