FIFA Under Fire for Trademark Protection

Local businesses in South Africa are expressing disgust with FIFA over the organization's "draconian" trademark rules, which they say over-protect big ticket sponsors.

FIFA makes the bulk of its money from selling marketing and television rights, and has already generated a record $3.3 billion ahead of the June 11 kickoff in Johannesburg.

Big companies pay big bucks to be associated with the tournament, and in return FIFA strictly enforces its trademark rules to protect its sponsors. Those who haven't paid for exclusive rights are barred from using symbols and words associated with the World Cup.

FIFA criticized for over-protecting 2010 World Cup sponsors
CNN
April 29, 2010