The World Cup, Trademarks, and the Business of Sports

For many people around the world, June means one thing: the start of the FIFA World Cup.

While fans focus on the matches, players, and national pride, businesses often see something else, a tremendous marketing opportunity.

However, the World Cup is also one of the most heavily protected sporting events in the world when it comes to intellectual property.

Can Businesses Use “World Cup” in Their Advertising?

Not always.

Organizations such as FIFA invest significant resources in protecting their trademarks, logos, event names, and sponsorship rights. Businesses that imply an affiliation with the tournament without authorization may find themselves facing legal challenges.

This concept is often referred to as ambush marketing, when a company attempts to benefit from the popularity of a major event without becoming an official sponsor.

More Than Just Logos

Intellectual property protection extends beyond logos and branding.

Businesses should also be mindful of:

• Promotional campaigns
• Social media advertising
• Sweepstakes and contests
• Merchandise and apparel
• Event-themed marketing materials

Even seemingly harmless references can create issues if they suggest sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation where none exists.

Why This Is A Big Deal

Major international events create significant business opportunities, but they also highlight the importance of protecting valuable intellectual property.

Whether you are launching a new product, building a brand, or developing marketing campaigns, understanding how trademarks and intellectual property rights work is essential.

The World Cup may be played on the field, but behind the scenes there is another competition taking place, one involving trademarks, licensing rights, sponsorship agreements, and intellectual property protection.

For businesses, the lesson is simple:

Great brands are built through creativity. Great brands are protected through strategy.

If your business relies on branding, marketing, or creative content, our team can help you develop and protect your intellectual property assets.

If your business relies on branding, marketing, creative content, or innovative ideas, protecting your intellectual property is essential. Contact BridgehouseLaw today to discuss how we can help safeguard your 

Strengthening Our Estates and Employment Practice Groups: Meet Kelsey Greene

BridgehouseLaw is pleased to welcome Kelsey Greene to the firm.

Kelsey brings a diverse legal background and will support several of the firm’s growing practice areas, including estate administration, probate, intestate succession matters, wills and trusts, and employment law. She will also assist clients with select corporate and immigrationmatters as part of BridgehouseLaw’s multidisciplinary approach to client service.

As families and businesses face increasingly complex legal challenges, Kelsey’s addition allows the firm to continue expanding the services we provide while maintaining the personalized attention our clients expect.

In the area of estate planning and administration, Kelsey assists clients with wills, trusts, probate proceedings, and intestate estates, helping families navigate important decisions during some of life’s most significant transitions.

She also supports the firm’s employment practice, assisting employers and employees with pre-litigation employment matters, workplace policies, compliance concerns, and dispute prevention strategies before issues escalate into formal litigation.

Kelsey’s broad practice interests and commitment to client service make her a valuable addition to the BridgehouseLaw team, and we look forward to the contributions she will make to our clients and our firm.

Expanding Our Litigation Practice: Welcome Andrew Parslow

BridgehouseLaw is pleased to welcome Andrew Parslow to the firm.

Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Economics from Florida State University and his Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School. He is admitted to practice in North Carolina, South Carolina, and California.

Prior to joining BridgehouseLaw, Andrew represented property owners, corporations, and public agencies in eminent domain and homeowners association matters. He also developed extensive experience handling complex civil litigation disputes.

At BridgehouseLaw, Andrew’s practice focuses on landlord-tenant disputes, real estate matters, and general civil litigation. His addition further strengthens our ability to assist clients with litigation matters not only in Mecklenburg and Union Counties, but throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.

As part of our continued investment in expanding our landlord-tenant and real estate litigation services, Andrew brings valuable experience and insight that will help us serve clients across a broader range of disputes.

In addition to his litigation experience, Andrew is an accomplished legal writer and has been published on topics involving property rights and constitutional law.

We are excited to welcome Andrew to the team and look forward to the contributions he will make to both our firm and our clients.

BridgehouseLaw at the June 2026 GABA Seminar: U.S Market Entry and Risk Management

BridgehouseLaw is proud to support this year’s GABA Seminar series, which continues to provide valuable educational and networking opportunities for businesses operating between Germany and the United States.

This June, the seminar program focuses on two topics that remain at the forefront of international business planning: U.S. Market Entry (US-Markteintritt) and Risk Management.

Entering the U.S. Market

For many European companies, the United States remains one of the most attractive destinations for growth and investment. However, expanding into the U.S. requires more than identifying a market opportunity.

Businesses must carefully consider:

• Corporate structure and entity formation
• Employment and workforce requirements
• Immigration considerations
• Contract management
• Regulatory compliance
• Tax planning and reporting obligations

Understanding these issues early can help companies avoid costly mistakes and establish a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Risk Management in a Changing Business Environment

In today’s global economy, risk management extends far beyond insurance policies.

Businesses face increasing challenges related to:

• Supply chain disruptions
• Trade and tariff developments
• Cybersecurity concerns
• Employment and labor issues
• Regulatory compliance
• Contractual liability

Effective risk management requires organizations to identify potential exposures before they become significant business problems.

Event Information

The GABA Seminar continues to serve as an important platform for German-American business professionals to exchange ideas, gain practical insights, and build valuable relationships.

BridgehouseLaw is pleased to support this year’s seminar and looks forward to connecting with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from both sides of the Atlantic.

To learn more about seminar dates, locations, and registration information, please visit here.

The Future of Transatlantic Business

June is shaping up to be an important month for businesses operating between the United States and Europe.

As economic policies continue to evolve on both sides of the Atlantic, business leaders, advisors, and policymakers will gather in Germany for two significant events focused on international trade, investment, and cross-border cooperation: the German-American Business Forum (DAWT) and the German-American Business Association (GABA) Seminar.

While each event has its own focus, both reflect a common theme: despite shifting regulations, tariffs, and economic uncertainty, the transatlantic business relationship remains one of the strongest and most important economic partnerships in the world.

The 11th German-American Business Forum (Deutsch-Amerikanischer Wirtschaftstag)will take place on June 9, 2026, in Mainz, Germany. This year’s program includes discussions on U.S. trade policy, tariffs, customs regulations, artificial intelligence, workforce strategy, supply chain resilience, and market entry opportunities for European companies expanding into the United States.

These topics could not be more relevant.

Over the past year, businesses have faced increasing uncertainty surrounding tariffs, changing regulatory frameworks, labor shortages, and technological disruption. At the same time, companies continue to look for opportunities to grow internationally and strengthen their position in the U.S. market.

For German and European businesses, the United States remains one of the most attractive destinations for investment and expansion. Likewise, many U.S. companies continue to view Europe as a key strategic market.

Events such as DAWT and the GABA Seminar provide valuable opportunities for companies to exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and better understand the legal and business challenges that accompany international growth.

At BridgehouseLaw, we are proud to support businesses operating across borders and look forward to participating in conversations that help strengthen the German-American business community.

As global markets continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: success increasingly depends on understanding not only the opportunities of international business, but also the legal and regulatory frameworks that support it.

For companies engaged in transatlantic commerce, staying informed has never been more important.

To learn how BridgehouseLaw assists businesses with international trade, cross-border transactions, immigration, employment, and market entry matters, visit, please contact us.