Iconic statues such as the FIFA World Cup Trophy, Oscars Statuette, Grammy Award and Claret Jug are safeguarded by a combination of legal protections, which often overlap depending on the jurisdiction. These protections ensure the integrity of the statues and prevent unauthorised use or reproduction. Some of the legal protections include:
Copyright Protection
Statues are frequently classified as artistic works and are therefore protected under copyright law. Copyright grants the creator or rights holder exclusive control over the reproduction, adaptation, or commercial use of the statue’s design.
Copyright protection typically lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus an additional period, which in many jurisdictions is 70 years.
Trade Mark Protection
In addition to copyright, many iconic statues are protected as registered trade marks. This ensures that their image or design cannot be used in ways that could confuse consumers or dilute the associated brand. Trade mark registration is particularly important for maintaining control over the commercial use of these symbols.
Commercial Agreements and Licensing
Rights holders often regulate the use of iconic statues through contractual agreements and licensing.
For instance:
FIFA licenses the image of the World Cup Trophy for official merchandise, ensuring its use aligns with FIFA’s brand and values.
Similar licensing frameworks govern the use of the Oscars statuette, Grammy Award, and Claret Jug, allowing the rights holders to maintain their exclusivity while monetising their use in approved contexts.
Conclusion
Iconic statues like the FIFA World Cup trophy, Oscars statuette, Grammy Award, and Claret Jug are more than just artistic achievements; they represent significant intellectual property assets. Through copyright, trade marks, and licensing agreements etc., these statues are effectively protected from unauthorised use or reproduction, ensuring their status and value remain intact.
