AD AGE's E.J. Schultz cited sources as saying that A-B InBev tapped Deutsch, N.Y., for a "Budweiser global soccer marketing assignment." The move puts the Interpublic-owned shop in the position to "potentially work on Budweiser's sponsorship of the World Cup." MDC Partners-owned Anomaly, N.Y., handled the Russia World Cup for the brewer this year, and "remains Bud's global agency of record, although it no longer works on the brand in the U.S." (ADAGE.com, 12/19).
SOUND IT OUT: In Ft. Lauderdale, Safid Deen noted the Dolphins have "filed a trademark application for the phrase 'MIAMIRACLE' with the hopes of using the phrase on a plethora of merchandise, commemorating their 34-33 win over the Patriots on Dec. 9." The application could "take at least three months to be approved" by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 12/19).
HATS OFF: A CHICAGO TRIBUNE editorial states that people often "criticize government officials for wasting taxpayer money," but that "doesn’t mean we can’t recognize a dash of municipal marketing genius when it hits us in the face," like with Elk Grove Village, Ill., and its title sponsorship of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl. The editorial: "We’ve already seen enough press coverage to justify the expense." It seems like such a "good idea that other cities might follow" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/20).
