Recent changes in copyright and patent law suggest that in addition to the traditional intellectual property opportunities provided to sport and physical activity professionals and participants, rights can be extended to athletes’ performance, unique skill execution, and image and to coaches’ plays, strategies, and instructional manuals. Legislation defining these potential new rights are the Sonny Bono and Digital Millennium Acts. Case law involving these rights include Tasini, Ryan, O P Solutions, NBA, NFL, Curtis, Minster Communications, Nike, Antonious, State Street Bank and Trust, Zurko, Pfaff and others. The writings of Kunstadt and Smith, also reviewed, provide insight into the application of the legislation and case law.
