The trademark linked to the 'Man of the Match' award given out at sporting events is to go on the market. Glasgow-based firm Metis Partners has been asked to put the phrase up for sale by OFS Group, which is said to have raised significant revenue by licensing 'Man of the Match' for use on brands such as KP Nuts, McCoy's crisps and during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The successful buyer will be able to use the trademark in connection with sporting events, recordings, printed material, accessories, clothing and games around the world. The 'Man of the Match' award is used in sports ranging from cricket, football, rugby, American football, hockey, basketball and Australian Rules football. The sale will offer similar trademark opportunities to that of the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster slogan, which was originally used by the British wartime government and is now used on various items including t-shirts, greetings cards and advertising campaigns under license. Former Aston Villa, Everton, Rangers and Scotland player Andy Gray said: "Man of the Match is one of the game's most respected accolades. Players in the really big leagues appreciate it because it means that they are seen as being the best of the best. In marketing terms, Man of the Match is unique and, to use perhaps one of my own examples of intellectual property, I can only say to Metis for landing this deal: 'Take a bow, son. Take a bow'." Stephen Robertson, founder and chief executive of Metis Partners, said: "It is very rarely that a trademark of this renown and significance comes on to the open market and Metis is very excited about being involved in its marketing. It illustrates once again that Metis's acknowledged expertise in the intellectual property arena is taking it to the forefront of the big deals - and they don't come much bigger than a name like Man of the Match." The deadline for the sale, which includes the 'Man of the Match' website and branded domain names, as well as social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, has been set for 4pm on Thursday 20 September.
Source: FOOTYMAD
