Mexico City — Mexican businesses that broadcast 2026 FIFA World Cup matches without proper authorization face fines of up to 29.3 million pesos (about $1.5 million), according to intellectual property experts.
Under the Federal Copyright Law, only FIFA — as the rights holder — can authorize public exhibition of matches. Using a personal cable or streaming subscription in a commercial setting constitutes infringement, even if the business does not charge admission.
“When you subscribe to cable or streaming at home, you pay for a residential license,” said Elia Sampayo, founder of intellectual property firm MOLSAM Advisory. “But the moment you put a screen in front of customers in a bar or restaurant, it becomes a commercial act and can be an infringement.”
Aurora López Portillo, director of legal services at ClarkeModet, noted a widespread misconception. “Many people assume that if a broadcast is available on open television or through a digital subscription, it can be used freely in a business,” she said. “But consumer licenses are intended for private or domestic use.”
The type of transmission does not exempt liability. Infractions apply to open television, digital platforms, and social media. Streaming service ViX, which holds rights to broadcast the 2026 World Cup, explicitly states in its terms that content is for personal use only and not for public or group screenings.
“ViX does not currently have the necessary public exhibition rights to authorize public or group screenings,” the platform’s terms of use state. “Therefore, ViX content cannot be transmitted, shown, or exhibited by companies, organizations, educational institutions, venues, or events.”
Experts also debunked the myth that not charging a cover fee avoids infringement. “The law and courts establish that if there is a commercial benefit from such screenings, it applies,” Sampayo said. “That is, if the match serves as a commercial hook to attract customers, increase dwell time, and boost food and beverage consumption.”
López Portillo added that reforms to the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property (LFPPI) include sanctions for ambush marketing — commercially exploiting the event’s notoriety without authorization.
According to the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), fines for unauthorized broadcasts can reach 250,000 UMAs (equivalent to 29.3 million pesos, based on a UMA value of 117.31 pesos). Businesses may also face temporary closure for up to 90 days and seizure of equipment. Rights holders can pursue legal action for damages.
To avoid penalties, experts recommend verifying that the service provider has commercial authorization or contracting a proper business license. Businesses should review service terms and sign commercial contracts, as personal subscriptions do not permit public exhibitions.
“Any business planning to organize public viewings of matches should carefully review the terms of use of the platform, channel, or service contracted and confirm that such use is permitted for commercial purposes,” López Portillo said.
Finally, experts stressed the importance of distinguishing between broadcasting a match and promoting a business using protected World Cup assets. Using trademarks, logos, trophies, mascots, official images, or any other FIFA-protected elements requires separate authorization.
