Key Moments:
- The 6th Business Court of Rio de Janeiro has permanently barred BetFla from using Flamengo’s branding, with a R$50,000 daily penalty for violations
- BetFla has been ordered to pay R$50,000 in moral damages, while further material damages will be determined in future proceedings
- Flamengo’s master sponsorship agreement with Betano, announced in August 2025, secures the club over R$260 million per year through December 2028
Legal Decision Safeguards Flamengo’s Identity
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, widely known for its status in Brazilian football, has won a legal dispute against the betting company BetFla. The 6th Business Court of Rio de Janeiro ruled that BetFla unlawfully used several distinct features tied to Flamengo’s identity. These included the use of names such as “FLA”, the red-and-black team colors, references to the urubu mascot, as well as popular nicknames including Mengo, Mengão, and Rubro-Negro. The court found this created mistaken public perceptions of partnership or endorsement from the club.
Injunction and Financial Implications
The ruling imposed a permanent ban on BetFla’s use of any Flamengo-related marks or symbols, enforced through a daily fine of R$50,000 if violated. All relevant domains linked to BetFla are to remain inaccessible. Additionally, BetFla must pay R$50,000 in moral damages, while further financial liabilities related to material damages will be evaluated in subsequent proceedings.
The judge described the actions as “parasitic exploitation” and a clear case of unfair competition, resulting in consumer confusion and harm to Flamengo’s reputation.
Brand Protection Takes Center Stage
The case, filed by Flamengo’s legal team in 2022, centered on accusations that the betting platform “illegitimately profited from the club’s heritage,” using slogans such as “the betting house of the Rubro-Negro fans.” The court determined that BetFla’s intent was to derive commercial benefit from Flamengo’s large fan community and international recognition. This decision could have wide-ranging effects, setting a reference point for Brazilian sports teams defending their intellectual property.
Shifting Sponsorship Landscape for Flamengo
The outcome coincides with significant changes in Flamengo’s sponsorship portfolio. In August 2025, Flamengo revealed a master sponsorship deal with Betano, valued at over R$260 million per year and running until December 2028. Prior to this, the club maintained a co-branded relationship with PixBet via the FlaBet platform, which targeted Flamengo’s expansive fan base. With PixBet’s rebranding to GanheiBet following approval from Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) on July 16, 2025, the team’s sponsorship relationships continue to evolve.
| Betting Partner | Deal Status | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Betano | Master sponsorship (active from August 2025 through December 2028) | Over R$260 million per year |
| PixBet / GanheiBet | Previous sponsorship, concluded before Betano deal | Rebranded as GanheiBet on July 16, 2025 |
Significance for Sports Intellectual Property
Flamengo’s court victory highlights the crucial role of intellectual property protection in the modern sports industry, especially within the burgeoning Brazilian betting market. The court’s decision reinforces the standards required for commercial references to established sports clubs, stressing the importance of safeguarding brand reputation. Flamengo’s proactive stance secures its commercial interests and serves as a model for other organizations seeking to maintain control over their brand assets amidst growing partnerships between sports teams and the gaming industry.
- Author
Daniel Williams
