I overheard on Associated Press news this weekend that folks are not allowed to call their private parties Super Bowl™ parties or charge admission even if they rent equipment to broadcast the Super Bowl™ game.

Of course, when I Googled to see the printed version of the story, I couldn’t find it anywhere.  Still, I know what I heard – So here’s the skinny: if you throw a party on Sunday, February 5, 2012, and want to cover your cost, you can only ask for contributions, not admission fees. 

It’s crucial to consult a trademark attorney to ensure you’re covered if you add this to your invite: 

“Super Bowl” is a registered trademark of the NFL and is used here for factual purposes only. NFC and AFC are registered trademarks of The National Football League. My HOUSE, PARTY, and its affiliates are not affiliated with the Super Bowl or the National Football League.

Just my 0.02 cents.   Praemonitus, Praemunitus. (Forewarned, Forearmed) Ignorantia juris non excusat  (Ignorance of the law does not excuse)