The Role of IP Rights in the Sports Sector by Anomi Wanigasekera and Sabeera Shariff

The Role of IP Rights in the Sports Sector by Anomi Wanigasekera, Senior Partner, and Sabeera Shariff, Partner, of Julius & Creasy, Sri Lanka.

In The Global IP Magazine Issue 25, Anomi Wanigasekera, Senior Partner, and Sabeera Shariff, Partner at Julius & Creasy, Sri Lanka, explore the indispensable role intellectual property plays in the modern sports industry. From protecting iconic brands and technological innovation to securing broadcasting rights and commercial partnerships, the authors explain how IP has become the foundation of one of the world's fastest-growing economic sectors.

IP at the Heart of Modern Sport

The relationship between sport and intellectual property extends far beyond the playing field. Every aspect of today's sports ecosystem, from team identities and athlete branding to broadcasting, merchandising, and sponsorship, is underpinned by intellectual property rights.

As the global sports market continues to grow, with revenues projected to exceed US$600 billion by 2030, intellectual property has become a critical commercial asset that drives investment, innovation, and international business opportunities across the industry.

Protecting the World's Most Valuable Sports Brands

Trade marks remain one of the most valuable forms of intellectual property in sport. Club names, logos, tournament brands, athlete identities, mascots, and iconic celebrations all derive significant commercial value from trade mark protection.

The authors highlight how globally recognised sporting brands rely on robust IP protection to prevent infringement, support merchandising programmes, and strengthen sponsorship opportunities. Effective brand protection enables sports organisations and athletes to build lasting commercial identities while safeguarding their reputation in increasingly competitive markets.

Innovation Beyond the Playing Field

Innovation is equally central to the continued evolution of sport. Patents, industrial designs, and trade secrets protect the technological advances that enhance athletic performance, improve equipment, optimise stadium infrastructure, and advance sports science.

From lightweight sporting equipment and aerodynamic apparel to turf management technologies and engineering innovations, intellectual property encourages continued investment in research and development, helping drive the future of professional sport.

Broadcasting, Licensing, and Commercial Growth

Copyright and broadcasting rights represent one of the largest revenue streams within the global sports industry. Live broadcasts, streaming services, promotional content, commentary, and highlights all rely on strong copyright protection to preserve commercial value.

Alongside broadcasting, licensing, merchandising, sponsorship agreements, esports, fantasy sports, NFTs, and digital platforms continue to expand new opportunities for commercial exploitation. However, the authors also highlight growing concerns surrounding piracy, copyright infringement, and ambush marketing, which threaten both rights holders and official commercial partners.

The Future of IP in Sport

As technology continues to transform the sports industry, intellectual property will become even more important in balancing innovation with integrity. Emerging technologies, digital platforms, and evolving fan engagement models present exciting commercial opportunities while introducing new legal and enforcement challenges.

Wanigasekera and Shariff argue that maintaining strong intellectual property protection will remain essential to sustaining innovation, attracting investment, and ensuring the long-term growth of the global sports economy.

Conclusion

As Wanigasekera and Shariff explain, intellectual property is no longer simply a legal consideration within sport; it has become one of the industry's most valuable commercial assets. From protecting brands and technological innovation to enabling broadcasting and global licensing opportunities, IP continues to drive the business, growth, and future of sport.

Read the full article in The Global IP Magazine Issue 25 to explore how intellectual property rights are driving innovation, commercialisation, and long-term growth across the global sports industry.

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