Polskie zobowiązania i gwarancje na UEFA EURO 2012 w zakresie ochrony własności intelektualnej i zagadnień powiązanych

UEFA EURO 2012 is an unique event in the country’s history, but it is also an excellent advertisement product. Poland and Ukraine, upon submitting their candidacy for organising UEFA EURO 2012, have undertaken to take all necessary actions in order to protect intellectual property rights referring to UEFA EURO 2012TM such as: “EURO 2012”. The guarantees cover legal protection of word marks and logos connected with the tournament, counteracting unfair marketing practices, prohibited practices related to ticket sale and unlicensed public broadcasting of tournaments. The aim of this study is to answer the question whether Poland – co-host of the European Football Championship in 2012 is able to provide appropriate protection of the UEFA intellectual property rights, according to commitments made during candidates phase. Does the Polish legislation ensure full protection of the UEFA Intellectual Property Rights – such prestigious event? Essentially, there is also the question of the legal nature of guarantees submitted by Poland. Discussion of their impact on the bodies of the Polish administration, undertaken primarily to protect the financial and organizational effort of UEFA and official sponsors. The article presents regularity and identification of possible improvements which are to be introduced in this area before and during the UEFA EURO 2012 TM in order to prevent using by unauthorized persons of the UEFA EURO 2012 marks and symbols, including ambush marketing practices.