Golf Law in the News: Liability, NIL, Environmental Issues, and Trademark Disputes - Episode 41

In this episode of the FMJ Law Podcast, Adam Brown is joined by Nate Snyder for a wide-ranging conversation that uses golf as a surprisingly effective lens to explore some of today’s most pressing legal issues.Adam and Nate tee off with real estate, and they discuss a variety of considerations tied to golf course development, from land use issues, environmental law, and conservation/protections to emerging concerns like PFAS contamination and the high-profile scrutiny of courses and environmental concerns in the Washington, D.C. area. They also discuss agriculture, deforestation, pesticide use, and even global events impacting supply chains and costs in the golf industry. The discussion then shifts to the rules that govern the game beyond the scorecard, comparing public and private courses, and unpacking the layers of city, state, and regulatory oversight that shape operations.On the litigation side, Adam and Nate break down liability risks in golf, including assumption of risk, negligence claims, course design issues, and the role of third parties such as architects and designers. They also explore how celebrity intersects with the law, including well-known legal challenges involving professional golfers.The conversation also takes a turn into intellectual property, examining trademark disputes involving LIV Golf, brand conflicts, and the concept of reverse dilution, along with a few unexpected pop music tie-ins.Finally, Nate and Adam dive into the evolving world of NIL in golf, discussing college athletes, sponsorship structures, eligibility requirements, and the complexities of contracts in a rapidly changing landscape.Be sure to listen through to the end for details on Adam and Nate’s upcoming appearance at the Tees & CLEs event in Arizona, where they will both be speaking and then recording a live episode of the FMJ Law Podcast!Whether you are a golfer, a business owner, or simply interested in how legal issues play out in everyday contexts, this episode covers a lot of relevant ground.