Released on: June 23, 2010, 5:47 am
Author: Displaysense
Industry: Retail
Displaysense warns businesses of all sizes could be breaking the law as World Cup fever hits the UK and the vuvuzelas and England shirts fly off the shelf and businesses look to get their boot in the door and take advantage of the football mania.
From pubs to estate agents, many companies are looking to ride off the back of the World Cup with catchy strap lines, however few realise that they could in fact infringe FIFA’s copyright laws. Phrases such as South Africa 2010, FIFA World Cup and even using the words World Cup in the context of football could break strict copyright laws resulting in harsh fines and even legal action.
During research into how customers are using displays during the World Cup period, Displaysense, a supplier of leaflet holders and spur shelving units in the UK discovered that 90% of customers contacted planned some form of promotion throughout June and July.
However it was also discovered that approximately 20% of those contacted are actually in breach of the FIFA copyright laws and Displaysense are looking to contact these companies to warn them about the potential impacts of their actions and give them some guidance on what they can do.
Steve Whittle the marketing director at Displaysense said, "Hardly any of the companies we contacted know anything about the copyright laws surrounding the World Cup and it’s the smaller businesses that seem to be most at risk. Even a poster holder in a pub highlighting that World Cup football can be watched on the premises is a violation of the laws. Just imagine how many of those signs you walk past every day that have similar messages on them."
Steve commented, "I can imagine more than a few business owners are annoyed that laws created by an organisation outside of the UK are influencing the laws that they have to abide by in their local communities. This is why we are doing our best to support our customers & help them tackle this problem, in what should be an enjoyable time".
With coat hangers and clothes rails for football kits selling fast at Displaysense, the World Cup has certainly been successful for some companies. But for some businesses they maybe risking getting red carded and being sent off early from a legal perspective in their bid to attract customers.
About Displaysense
Displaysense was established in September of 1978 as a manufacturer of quality point
of sale displays. Displaysense has a wealth of experience in design and
manufacturing and has been able to develop an ever growing standard range of more
than 5,000 displays for retail, exhibitions, office and home. The range is now
hugely diverse including literature displays, display cabinets, mannequins, office
displays, exhibition stands, catering supplies and even items for the home.
Displaysense works with a large range of clients including, retailers (multiple and
independent), blue chip corporate clients, cafés, bars, restaurants and night clubs,
shop and office fitters, marketing and promotions companies, designers and
architects, product distributors, exhibition contractors and exhibitors, printers,
councils and NHS trusts, charities, schools and universities and even home
consumers.
For further information please contact:
Steve Whittle
Marketing Manager
Displaysense
Rye Street
Bishop's Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM23 2HG
UK
0845 2008139
www.displaysense.co.uk