CONTEST RULES/PRECEDENTS
Do you need contest rules/precedents
for a Canadian contest?
We offer many types of Canadian contest/sweepstakes law precedents and forms (i.e., Canadian contest/sweepstakes law precedents to run common types of contests in Canada). These include legal precedents for random draw contests (i.e., where winners are chosen by random draw), skill contests (e.g., essay, photo or other types of contests where entrants submit content that is judged to enter the contest or for additional entries), trip contests and more.
Also available are individual Canadian contest/sweepstakes precedents, including short rules (“mini-rules”), long rules, winner releases and a Canadian contest law checklist.
For more information and to order see: Canadian Contest Forms and Precedents.
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OVERVIEW OF LONG CONTEST RULES (OFFICIAL RULES)
FOR CANADIAN PROMOTIONAL CONTESTS
In Canada, like other major jurisdictions, sponsors of promotional contests typically include long contest rules (also sometimes called “official rules”) setting out the detailed rules governing their contests.
Long rules may be used for random draw contests (where winners are chosen by way of random draw) or skill contests (where winners are chosen by some type of skill-based criteria, such as photo, essay or other contests where entrants are required to submit original content that is judged by the contest sponsor to choose winners).
Given that contests in Canada have held by courts to be contracts (where contest sponsors offer entry and participation to entrants who fulfil entry criteria to enter and agree to the terms of the contest), it is important for contest sponsors to draft and post long contest rules that reflect the terms of their contests (and also cover off potential risks and contingencies in the event an issue arises when running the contest).
In this regard, contest sponsors in Canada should ensure that they prepare precise long rules (i.e., official contest rules) that reflect the details of their contest, anticipate potential contingencies (e.g., technical problems including relating to the selection of winners) and set out the terms of the contest as clearly as possible – for example, eligibility, how to enter, prize descriptions, number and value of prizes, draws and award of prizes, odds of winning and indemnifying and releasing the contest sponsor and any co-sponsors or prize sponsors.
For more information, see: Canadian Contest Law Forms/Precedents.
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CANADIAN CONTEST & ADVERTISING LAW SERVICES
We are a Toronto based competition and advertising law firm that offers business and individual clients efficient and strategic advice in relation to Canadian competition and advertising laws, including contests/sweepstakes and other types of promotions. Our experience includes advising Canadian and U.S. clients in relation to Canadian contest/sweepstakes, advertising/marketing and competition/antitrust laws.
For more about our contest/advertising law services see: here
To contact us for Canadian contest or advertising law advice see: here
For more information about our firm, visit our website: Competitionlawyer.ca