Marketplace Roundup

In Columbus, Jeb Phillips reports Ohio State Univ. (OSU) football schedule "posters and other promotional signs have disappeared from bars, restaurants and stores across central Ohio in the past several days." The "two large beer distributors that produced those items didn't have permission to use trademarked [OSU] symbols," so the school "asked the distributors to remove what they had passed out, and they agreed to do it." Superior Beverage Group President & CEO John Fleming, whose company distributes the Miller and Coors brands, said that the company "received a letter last week." The Columbus Distributing Co. Marketing Dir Kim Carmine, whose company distributes Anheuser-Busch brands, said that the company has "been removing items too" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 8/29).

Chelsea Halts Sales Of Replica Robinho Shirts

FALSE ADVERTISING: In London, Norrish & Wilson report English Premier League club Chelsea is "no longer selling replica [F] Robinho shirts after Real Madrid expressed their determination to keep hold of" the player. Chelsea "seemed to have secured [Robinho as a player] when they confidently" advertised Robinho shirts for sale in their online store. But the club has now confirmed that a "mistake was made." A Chelsea spokesperson: "Our online partner, Kitbag, always prepares in advance of any potential signings, and unfortunately it accidentally made its way onto the site but has now been removed" (London TELEGRAPH, 8/29).

BREEDERS' CUP: BRANDWEEK's Barry Janoff reported Rome-based jewelry company Bulgari has "signed a deal to become the exclusive timepiece partner of the Breeders' Cup World Championships." Bulgari joins Breeders' Cup marketing partners Emirates Air, Grey Goose, UPS, Dos Equis, John Deere and AIG. AIG is "renewing and expanding its alliance with the event," which this year is scheduled for October 24-25. Financial terms for the Bulgari and AIG deals were not disclosed. Bulgari will have "on-track signage, print in event programs, will create a Breeders' Cup watch to be presented to reps of the 14 winning horses and will host an event at its Rodeo Drive location during Championship Week leading up to the Breeders' Cup." Bulgari also will "support fundraising efforts for Breeders' Cup equine charities and other foundations." AIG will sponsor the "Ride of the Day" and the AIG Bill Shoemaker Award (BRANDWEEK.com, 8/28).