Brazuca: an ordinary ball?

Tuesday the 3rd was the date FIFA uncovered the official ball for the 2014 World Cup Brazil. It is the 12th official ball that adidas made for the FIFA World Cup.

The ball named Brazuca will not be disappointing. According to many sources, from newspapers, to organizations, and even footballers videos, it is claimed that the ball has a new technology and indeed is innovative. Brazuca has been under development since the end of 2010 and have been tested for more than 2 and 1/2 years.

The innovation appears to focus on the ‘new structure of the ball’. Specifically, “Brazuca COVER: Six panels of premium PU that has been bonded for reduced water absorption and perfect roundness. Revolutionary panel shape creates flight speed and enhances roundness.”

A Patent?Looking at the biggest and useful patent search engine out there i.e. Espacenet, I am afraid I could not find the said ball. One of the latest ball from adidas recorded in the database is a ‘Ball with pseudo seams’ applied for on, 03.03.2010 –claimed priority day 03.04.2009. Its examination is in progress BUT looking at the drawing I may say that this is not the ball I am looking for. So, if you have any luck or do know about the application, please share the info.

Regarding the water (not) absorption, Mr Mecking, business unit director for football hardware, explains that “...the Brazuca only gains 0.2 per cent of his weight in wet conditions, so it performs equally well in all conditions.” [The FIFA standard is 10 per cent]. This appears to be a good sign since the World Cup will be played in the rainy season.

I do have to admit that while searching for the patent I got distracted by other patent applications made by Adidas. Therefore we are to expect some new inventions in t-shirts, a bladder for the ball, studs, soles and the like. One invention that definitely captured my attention was a recent application made by LOCHEN ROMAIN EMMANUEL on 2013-09-03...a ‘Football vuvuzela maraca’.

The Brazuca is a registered word Community Trade mark (CTM) since 2012 for sports equipment not included in other classes (Nice classification No 28); and since 2013, for clothing, footwear, headgear (Nice Classification No 25).

More info here, here and here.