<h1>Legal checklist for launching and franchising a sponsored awards event: contracts, IP, publicity releases, liability, tax, permits</h1> A private media company organized an inaugural regional entertainment and business awards ceremony recognizing creators and entrepreneurs across over 60 categories, with multiple commercial sponsors and venue partners. Legal considerations include event contracts (sponsor, venue, vendor, talent), intellectual property rights in award branding and recorded performances, publicity and image-release clearances for nominees and attendees, accuracy and liability exposure from promotional materials and press releases, and adherence to tax, licensing and local permitting requirements. The disclosed press-release arrangement raises issues of attribution and publisher liability. Organizers seeking to scale the franchise should document IP ownership, enforce trademark protection, and ensure robust contractual and compliance frameworks.