What is NIL (Name, Image, & Likeness Law?)
NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness” for student-athletes. In 2021, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) adopted a new interim policy that allows student-athletes to profit from their NIL. This allows college athletes to sign endorsement deals, earn compensation for autographs, make money from social media content, and engage in other profit-generating activities that leverage their brand, while still maintaining their eligibility to compete in college sports.
The details and implementation of NIL can vary by state, as some states have passed their own NIL laws, and these laws may have different stipulations compared to the NCAA’s general guidelines.
Coger Law Firm offers a wide range of services focused on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for student-athletes, athletic administrators, coaches, entrepreneurs, and even high school and youth sports organizations. We are dedicated to providing the guidance and resources needed to navigate the ever-changing NIL landscape
Athlete Consultation & Representation
At Coger Law Firm, we offer specialized services for NIL Athlete Consultation and Representation. Our firm is dedicated to supporting student-athletes in navigating the complex landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. With the recent changes in collegiate sports, we understand the importance of providing expert legal guidance and assistance to athletes seeking to monetize their personal brand and endorsements while maintaining their eligibility.Our experienced team at Coger Law Firm is well-versed in the intricacies of NIL regulations and can provide comprehensive legal advice tailored to the unique needs of NIL athletes. We will guide you through the permissible activities, sponsorship agreements, and licensing arrangements that align with the rules set by governing bodies such as the NCAA or other relevant organizations.
Contract Drafting and Review
Regardless of the scope of your NIL agreement, it is essential to have a written contract. We offer student-athletes and their families contract drafting, review, and pertinent legal advice when entering into approved NIL partnerships with business associates or relevant third parties. Additionally, we provide assistance in preparing and examining business documents typically associated with NIL-related business relationships.
Intellectual Property and Brand Safeguarding
In today's world, this aspect is crucial. Athletes must secure their Name, Image, and Likeness through federal protection for their intellectual property, such as trademarks and copyrights.
Our services includes
How does Coger Law help with NIL?
– One-on-one and group consulting
– Collective coaching and formation
– Ad hoc services.
Are you interested in starting a collective to support student-athletes at your favorite college or university? Coger Law Firm has partnered with a robust platform and web/mobile app that simplifies the athlete, fan, and brand experience. Through the partnership, Coger Law Firm offers collectives a comprehensive NIL management software solution with advanced analytics and a user-friendly interface. With our end-to-end platform, athletes, universities, brands, and collectives can effortlessly manage all aspects of their name, image, and likeness requirements.
Our team works ith student-athletes to help them navigate the complexties of NIL, from getting started to maximizing their earning potential. We offer both group and individual consultations to provide customized guidance tailored to each athlete’s unique needs
We provide up-to-date information on the current NIL landscape and help athletic administrators and staff better understand the opportunities available for student-athletes.
Our team works with coaches to help them better understand NIL and answer their athletes’ questions. We offer coaching sessions at the conference, institutional, or individual level to provide coaches with the knowledge and resources needed to help their athletes succeed.
Is NIL for high school students permissible in your state? You should consult with an attorney before your student-athlete gets involved with NIL, prior to college.
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FAQ
A trademark is important because it helps protect a brand's identity and reputation. It allows consumers to identify products or services they trust and helps companies differentiate themselves from competitors.
To register a trademark, you need to file an application with the appropriate government agency responsible for trademark registration in your country. In the United States, for example, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) handles trademark registrations.
Trademarks can include words, phrases, logos, symbols, designs, sounds, and even distinct smells. The key requirement is that the trademark must be distinctive and capable of identifying the source of goods or services.
Trademark protection can last indefinitely, as long as the trademark is being actively used and renewed according to the regulations of the respective trademark office. HOWEVER, the trademark registrant must take proactive steps to to maintain their trademark protection and our office can assist with this.
A trademark protects brands and their associated symbols or words that identify goods or services. A copyright, on the other hand, protects original creative works like literary, artistic, and musical creations.
"TM" stands for trademark and is often used to indicate that a business claims rights to a specific trademark, even if it's not officially registered. "®" indicates a registered trademark that has been officially registered with the appropriate government agency.
While you can't trademark a domain name by itself, you can include it as part of a trademark application if it's used in commerce to distinguish your goods or services.
If you believe someone is infringing on your trademark rights, you can send them a cease and desist letter, notifying them of your rights and requesting them to stop using the infringing mark. If the issue persists, you might need to take legal action.
The "likelihood of confusion" is a legal concept used to determine if a new trademark is too similar to an existing one, potentially causing confusion among consumers. If there's a high likelihood of confusion, the new trademark might not be registered.