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Marketing for "The Big Game"? Don't Get Flagged. 

A Quick Guide to Protected Trademarks for Sunday, Feb 8th, 2026. 

As we approach the biggest Sunday in sports, many restaurants are planning watch parties. However, the NFL is famously strict about protecting its intellectual property, and actively monitors restaurant promotions every year. Cease & desist letters are common, even for small, local businesses. 

Here is how to promote your event safely. 

The Core Rule 
“Super Bowl” is a federally registered trademark and not a generic event name or holiday. You cannot use the term to promote your business (e.g., "Join our Super Bowl Party" or "$5 Super Bowl Wings"). The NFL sells these rights to official sponsors for millions of dollars and legally protects them against unauthorized commercial use. 

The "No-Go" List (Strictly Avoid) 
Using any of these in your marketing materials (social media, emails, in-house signage) puts you at risk: 

  • ❌ "Super Bowl" 

  • ❌ "Super Sunday" 

  • ❌ Team Names  

  • ❌ NFL Logos or Team Logos (Never use the shield or helmet logos on your flyers). 


The "Safe" List (Use These Instead) 
You can reference the event using generic terms that describe the day: 

  • ✅ "The Big Game" (The industry standard). 

  • ✅ "Championship Sunday" 

  • ✅ "The Big Matchup" 

  • ✅ City Names: You can refer to the geography, just not the team nickname. 

The Bottom Line: Win With Your Menu You don’t need the NFL’s trademark to pack the house. Your customers are coming for the atmosphere, the screens, and most importantly, the food. Focus on promoting your best game-day specials and let the matchup speak for itself. If you stick to these rules, the only thing you’ll need to worry about on February 8th is keeping the wings coming. 

References & Further Reading 

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Thomsen Foodservice is not a law firm.