TO:
ALL PWL FRANCHISES DATE: [24.12.2018]
PROMOTIONS BY FRANCHISE PARTNERS FOR, PWL 2019
Dear Franchisees,
With the 4th Edition of PRO WRESTLING LEAGUE (PWL) set to take place between 14 Jan, 2019 and 31 Jan, 2019 (“, PWL”), we thought it suitable to issue this advisory to all PWL franchises (“Franchises”) clarifying the WFI-PWL’s position in relation to promotions by your respective sponsors and partners (“Franchise Partners”) during and around the PWL. We request you to circulate copies of this advisory amongst your respective Franchise Partners.
Currently, the exclusive sponsors and partners of the , PWL (“Central Sponsors”) are still in discussion mode. Certain other sponsors and partners may be designated by the WFI-PWL from time to time. The Central Sponsors enjoy exclusivity of usage of proprietary names (“PWL Names”), proprietary marks (“PWL Marks”) and other proprietary and protected content (“PWL Proprietary Content”).
We recognise that by virtue of their association with the Franchises, Franchise Partners may enjoy certain rights in relation to usage of each Franchise’s proprietary names and marks. However, such relationship does not permit Franchise Partners to use PWL Names, PWL Marks and PWL Proprietary Content in their marketing communications or promotions. Through this advisory, we intend to clarify what constitutes permissible and impermissible activity in relation to the , PWL, so as to prevent any inadvertent infringements of PWL Names, PWL Marks and PWL Proprietary Content by Franchise Partners.
In this context, we request you to note the following and advise your respective Franchise Partners accordingly that:
• Franchise Partners may use only the name, logo, designation and other proprietary content owned solely by the Franchise(s) that the Franchise Partner is associated with, in promotional activities;
• All promotional activities by Franchise Partners in relation to the , PWL are subject to various rules and regulations and notified from time to time by the WFI-PWL. All Franchises are requested, in particular, to apprise their respective Franchise Partners of the various PWL Rules as the Franchises bear primary responsibility with respect to compliance therewith by their respective Franchise Partners.
• Franchise Partners may not use PWL names, PWL Marks and PWL Proprietary Content solely by virtue of their association with any of the Franchises. For the sake of clarity, Franchise Partners may not use the PWL logos, trademarks or the names ‘PWL’, ‘, Pro Wrestling League’, in any of their marketing communications or promotions for whatever purposes or in whatever context. A non-exhaustive set of examples by way of illustration are provided below:
Example Status
|
Franchise Partner being an apparel manufacturer launches a range of apparel which it markets as “[Franchise name] apparel” |
PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner being an apparel manufacturer launches a range of apparel which it markets as “PWL apparel” or “[Franchise name] PWL apparel” |
NOT PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner being an e-commerce website markets team merchandise as “[Franchise name] merchandise” or tickets as “[Franchise name] tickets” |
PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner being an e-commerce website markets team merchandise as “PWL merchandise” or tickets as “PWL tickets” or “[Franchise name] PWL tickets” |
NOT PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner launches a contest or event called “Dance with the [Franchise name] Heroes” |
PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner launches a contest or event called “Dance with the PWL Heroes” or “Dance with the [Franchise name] Heroes this PWL” |
NOT PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner launches a “Scream for (team)” contest and offers match tickets to team matches (provided this is permitted under its agreement with the Franchise) |
PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner launches a “Scream for PWL” or “Scream for (team) this PWL” contest and offers match tickets to team matches |
NOT PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner displays the Franchise logo on its website (provided this is permitted under its agreement with the Franchise) |
PERMITTED |
|
Franchise Partner displays the PWL logo on its website |
NOT PERMITTED |
• Should any Franchise Partner fail to adhere to the above, we will engage with such Franchise Partner and educate such Franchise Partner on the permissible parameters of activity and work with them to resolve the matter. Should such activities persist, the Franchise Partner will be deemed to have knowingly breached the exclusive rights granted by the WFI-PWL to the Central Sponsors and we will have no other option but to initiate further action, including legal recourse. As you will understand, the WFI-PWL must act to protect its and its official sponsors’ and partners’ rights.
If you have any questions or enquiries relating to this letter, please do not hesitate to contact our rights protection partner, Copyright Integrity International at: [email protected] .The other PWL Rules referred to herein have been sent previously to all Franchises. Should you require another copy of any of these, please request this from the WFI-PWL. We request each Franchise to procure compliance with the contents of this advisory and the PWL Rules by each of its Franchise Partners.
We thank you for your assistance and co-operation in this regard.
PWL MANAGEMENT.
