Lessons in brand protection from college football’s biggest name

Last week WTR outlined commercialisation strategies for personal brands in light of soccer star Gareth Bale’s world record transfer to Real Madrid. For companies wanting to establish commercial relationships with sport personalities, the key is to establish relationships as early as possible. Yet when it comes to student athletes in the US, additional barriers exist. College football sensation Johnny Manziel is at the center of several trademark infringement lawsuits which highlight the difficulties facing student athletes and the brands wishing to work with them.