1. In this paper we have not discussed some of the slightly less recent, but no less important, developments. These include, inter alia, the UNCITRAL model law, the provisions relating to charge-back clauses and certain provisions relating to Internet commercial contracts. For discussion of these matters, see Brownsword R and Howells G, ‘When Surfers Start to Shop: Internet Commerce and Contract Law’ 19(3) (1999) Legal Studies 287–315.
2. In the United States punitive damages awards in tort cases have devastated certain sectors of the sports goods industry. For example, between 1980 and 1988 one single manufacturer of grid iron football helmets — Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. — paid out over $39 million in punitive damages awards, including one case where damages of $14 million were awarded after a thirteen-year old boy was rendered paraplegic by a collision. Such cases resulted in spiralling insurance premiums, while huge out of court settlements and damages awarded by juries threatened the entire industry. Indeed, the number of manufacturers of football helmets dropped from eighteen in the 1960s to only two by the 1980s. Other sectors in the US sports industry which have been particularly hard-hit hit by litigation and its consequences have included skiing, trampoline, diving and golf: Fried G, ‘Punitive Damages and Corporate Liability Analysis in Sports Litigation’ 9(1) (1998) Marquette Sports Law Journal, 47.
3. Nike wants to enter a £300m sponsorship deal with Manchester United, according to news reports on 28th September 2000: http://www.ananova.com/sport/soccer/PREM/ManUtd/ManUtd_970113189_2.htm
4. According to its 1996 US Securities and Exchange Form 10-K filing: Goldman R and Papson S, Nike Culture (1999) Sage Publications, 6.
5. Goldman and Papson, ibid.