Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New York

Re: Imaging Rights

Owning the rights to the award is not necessarily the same as owning the rights to the images or the use of the names of winners. Much more detail would be needed before one could properly assess this very complicated situation.

Re: Imaging Rights

I agree with David Browde that owning a trademark does not necessarily give you rights to the names and likenesses of, let's say, those who have won the awards. I'd say most likely not unless there was some release or other consent provided in conjunction with the provision of the award. You write that you want to move forward with "sports related products regarding the past recipients." If, for example, you want to produce a line of collectibles like cards, plates or apparel, you'd not only need to expand the protection of your trademark to such goods but would need to consider the rights of publicity of any person depicted. You'd also need to acquire the right to use any image protected by copyright. So, while the answer to your question is probably no, you can still proceed if you're prepared to spend the effort and expense that will be likely to obtain the necessary licenses.

Re: Imaging Rights

I agree with the other answers. Even as to the trademark, you need to see who and how it has been used as tradmark registration alone only gives you a presumption of rights, it is use in the United Stares that actually gives you rights.

That said, if you own the mark, you could also start something without using copyrighted material or images protected by rights of publicty.