The FIFA World Cup is held once every four years. The 2026 tournament is currently underway, with the final scheduled for July 20 (Japan time). I’m already looking forward to seeing which country will win.
Since I played soccer when I was a kid, I’ve been following this tournament closely.
Because this tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there is a time difference with Japan. Most matches take place in the morning Japan time, so I sometimes have to skip the early weekday morning games.
Did you know that intellectual property is involved in sports as well?
For example, tournament names and logos are protected by trademark rights; the structure of the match ball and camera and sensor technologies are protected by patent rights; and uniforms and official mascots are protected by design rights.
Incidentally, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) holds several trademark registrations in Japan. (Usagi)
*From the official gazette for Japanese Trademark No. 4094032