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As an NCAA student-athlete, you are entitled to the “right of publicity.” But what does that really mean? The International Trademark Association defines the right of publicity as “an intellectual property right that protects against the misappropriation of a person’s name, likeness, or other indicia of personal identity—such as nickname, pseudonym, voice, signature, likeness, or photograph—for commercial benefit.” Let’s… Continue reading Understanding your Right of Publicity as an NCAA Student-Athlete

Collegiate student-athletes entering into Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) endorsement deals should be certain that their NIL deals are in compliance with all applicable rules and laws. Maintaining your NCAA eligibility must be a top priority in order to maximize the value of your NIL. The NCAA has adopted an Interim NIL Policy, instructing student-athletes to follow… Continue reading NIL Compliance Checklist for College Athletes

On July 1st, 2021, the NCAA made headlines by allowing college athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness (NIL) for the first time. Intercollegiate athletes were quick to capitalize on their fame by signing endorsement deals, selling autographs and NFTs, hosting sports camps, creating charitable funds and even launching their own cryptocurrencies. The creativity… Continue reading 4 Months Into the NIL Era—Legal Questions College Athletes Haven’t Thought About Yet

The Illinois Men’s Basketball program has announced that Kofi Cockburn has been suspended by the NCAA Eligibility Center for three games for violating the association’s NIL rules in June of 2021. Cockburn was ruled ineligible to compete because he sold institutionally issued apparel and memorabilia on The Players Trunk. The memorabilia sales occurred prior to… Continue reading What to Make of the NCAA’s Suspension of Illinois MBB Star