Official Rules

“September 2020 SpongeBob Halloween SMS Sweepstakes”

Sponsored by Viacom International Inc.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN A PRIZE. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID IN PUERTO RICO, OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES AND WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. MANY WILL ENTER, FEW WILL WIN.

1. Entry Period: The “September 2020 SpongeBob Halloween SMS Sweepstakes” (the “Sweepstakes”) commences at 10:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on September 28, 2020 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on October 9, 2020 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). Sponsor’s computer is the official time-keeping device for this Sweepstakes. All entries must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. ET on October 9, 2020. The odds of winning depend on the total number of Eligible Entries (hereinafter defined) received during the Sweepstakes Period.

2. Eligibility: The Sweepstakes is open to individuals who are legal residents of one (1) of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia and are at least eighteen (18) years old or the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which he/she resides (nineteen [19] years old in Alabama and Nebraska, twenty-one [21] years old in Mississippi) at the time of entry (each a “Participant”, collectively the “Participants”). Employees, officers, directors, and members and their immediate families (i.e., parents, spouse, children, siblings, grandparents, step parents, step children and step siblings) and members of their household (whether related or not) of Viacom International Inc. (“Sponsor”), all Prize providers and their respective parents, related companies, sponsors, subsidiaries, advertising, promotion, and public relations agencies, and third-party fulfillment agencies (collectively, the “Sweepstakes Entities”) and those winners who have won a prize in any Sponsor-related sweepstakes/promotion in the twelve (12) months prior to the start of the Sweepstakes Period are not eligible to enter this Sweepstakes. Eligibility will be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. The Sweepstakes is subject to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to be bound by these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. Winning a Prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
3. To Enter: There are two ways to enter the Sweepstakes:
4. Entry Via Text Message: During the Sweepstakes Period, submit your entry by sending an SMS (“Text Message”) containing only the word “HALLOWEEN” to 91757 using your wireless mobile device. In order to submit any entry by text message, Participant must: (i) have a plan with a wireless carrier that includes a text messaging service; and (ii) use a wireless device that is capable of two-way text messaging. By sending a Text Message to enter, you signify that you understand that Sponsor will send a reply text message using an automatic dialing device to the phone number associated with the wireless mobile device you used to enter confirming your entry into the Sweepstakes and your consent to receive that message. You also consent to being notified via text message to the phone number associated with the wireless mobile device you used to enter if you are selected as a winner.  By entering via Text Message, you may receive a text message in response from the Sponsor to the phone number associated with the wireless mobile device you used to enter asking if you wish to receive offers from the Sponsor or third parties. You do not have to opt-in to any marketing offers to enter or to participate in this Sweepstakes. You May Be Charged A Fee for Message Transmission And Delivery By Your Cellular Network Carrier. If you opt to enter via your wireless mobile device (which is not required to enter the Sweepstakes and may only be available via participating wireless carriers) and/or opt in to receiving future marketing messages from Sponsor or third parties (which is also not required to enter the Sweepstakes), standard text messaging and/or data rates may apply for each message sent or received from your handset according to the terms and conditions of your service agreement with your wireless carrier. Other charges may apply (such as normal airtime and carrier charges) and may appear on your mobile phone bill or be deducted from your prepaid account balance. Wireless carriers’ rate plans may vary, and you should contact your wireless carrier for more information on messaging rate plans and charges relating to your participation in this Sweepstakes. Text messaging may not be available from all mobile phone service carriers and handset models. Mobile device service may not be available in all areas. Check your phone’s capabilities for specific instructions. Text STOP to cancel. Text HELP for help. For more information email: nickelodeon@nick.com.
5. Entry via Email: During the Sweepstakes Period, send an email (“Email”) containing only the phrase “SPONGEBOB HALLOWEEN SMS SWEEPS” in the subject line of the email to nickelodeon@nick.com. Normal Internet access, phone, and usage charges imposed by your online or phone service may apply. Sponsor and Sweepstakes Entities may use your personal information submitted with entry for purposes of Prize fulfillment and/or for future marketing by Sponsor, such as to notify you of a product or promotion that Sponsor thinks may be of interest. You may opt out of such marketing emails at any time.

For purposes of this Sweepstakes, each Text Message or Email you send pursuant to the above directions will constitute one (1) entry. Limit: One (1) entry per person/email account/phone number per calendar day of the Sweepstakes Period. For the purposes of this Sweepstakes a “calendar day” is defined as the twenty-four (24) hour period beginning at 12:00:01 a.m. ET and ending at the following 11:59:59 p.m. ET. All entries submitted in accordance with these Official Rules regardless of method of entry shall be hereinafter referred to as “Eligible Entries”.

In addition to the provisions set forth above, by submitting an entry, each Participant agrees (and agrees to affirm such in writing along with his/her Parent if Participant is a Minor) to: (i) abide by and be bound by these Official Rules and the interpretations of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor on all matters relating to this Sweepstakes, which decisions are final and binding in all respects, (ii) waive any right to claim ambiguity in the Sweepstakes or these Official Rules, (iii) release and hold harmless the Released Parties (as hereinafter defined) against any and all claims, injury or damage arising out of or relating to participation in this Sweepstakes and/or use or misuse or redemption of a Prize; and, (iv) acknowledge compliance with these Official Rules. Participants who submit an entry must provide all required information, including, if applicable, the e-mail address of the Parent who will be contacted in the event of winning a Prize. Incomplete or inaccurate entries are void. As stated below, collection and use of personally identifiable information will be in accordance with the Sponsor’s Online Privacy Policy as posted on www.nickjr.com. All entries must be received during the Sweepstakes Period.

In the event of a dispute over who submitted a winning entry, the authorized account holder of the email address or the phone number associated with the wireless mobile device used to participate in the Sweepstakes at the actual time of entry will be deemed to be the Participant. The authorized account holder of a particular email address is defined as the natural person who assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted address. The authorized account holder of a phone number associated with the wireless mobile device used to participate in the Sweepstakes is defined as the natural person who is assigned a mobile phone number by a wireless carrier. Potential Winner may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder to the Sponsor or forfeit the Prize. Multiple Participants are not permitted to share the same email account or wireless mobile device phone number. Entries with an invalid, non-working, or inactive email address or phone number will be disqualified and ineligible to win. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Any attempt to obtain entries in excess of the limit on entries as set forth in these Official Rules, including by using creating multiple email accounts or wireless phone numbers, by using multiple and/or different identities, forms, registrations, or by any other methods, will void all of the relevant Participant’s entries, and that Participant may be disqualified at Sponsor’s discretion.

4. Winner Selection/Notification: Three (3) Prize winners (each a “Potential Winner”, collectively the “Potential Winners”) will be randomly selected on or around October 15, 2020 by Sponsor from all Eligible Entries received during the Sweepstakes Period. Within five (5) business days after Sponsor selects the Potential Winner, Sponsor will contact each Potential Winner via email, using the email address used to enter (if such Potential Winner entered via email), or text message, using the phone number associated with the wireless mobile device used to enter (if such Potential Winner entered via text message). If a Potential Winner does not respond within five (5) business days of being contacted, such Potential Winner will be disqualified and an alternate Potential Winner will be selected through a random drawing from among the remaining Eligible Entries received. This process will be repeated a maximum of three (3) times, after which any remaining Prize will remain un-awarded.

5. Winner, Verification: Each Potential Winner may be required to prove eligibility, including, without limitation, proof of age and residence, within three (3) days of responding to Sponsor’s Potential Winner notification. In the event of non-compliance by a Potential Winner, such Potential Winner shall be disqualified and all privileges otherwise due as a Potential Winner shall be terminated and an alternative Potential Winner may be chosen through a random drawing from among all of the remaining Eligible Entries received, if time permits, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Potential Winner must sign (his/her Parent must sign if such Potential Winner is a Minor) within three (3) days of receipt of the following documents from Sponsor: (a) an affidavit of eligibility and liability release of the Released Parties (as hereinafter defined) from any and all liability, loss, claims, demands, and causes of action for personal injury and/or damage, theft, loss, or any other harm suffered in connection with this Sweepstakes or the use/misuse or acceptance of a Prize or any portion thereof to be eligible for a Prize; (b) except where prohibited by law, a publicity release granting Sweepstakes Entities the right to use his/her name and likeness for advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation; and (c) any other documentation required by Sponsor, including a W9 form and Potential Winner’s social security number for tax purposes (collectively, the “Releases”). Entry into this Sweepstakes constitutes agreement to sign such Releases. Potential Winner also must acknowledge that Sponsor has not and will not obtain or provide insurance of any kind relating to the Prize and that Potential Winner will be responsible for obtaining and paying for any life, travel, accident, property or other form of insurance relating to the Prize, if applicable. Each Potential Winner must also complete any additional legal documents provided by Sponsor (or third party on its behalf, if applicable) with respect to the Prize and return them as instructed within the time frame specified by Sponsor or such Potential Winner may forfeit the Prize at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Decisions of the Sponsor relating to the Sweepstakes are final. Sponsor expressly reserves the right to delay the announcement of the Potential Winners for creative or technical reasons or for any other reason Sponsor deems necessary. Each Potential Winner must be able to provide proof that such Potential Winner is eligible to be deemed an official Prize winner (the “Official Winner”) to Sponsor’s satisfaction. If the documents are not returned within the time required by Sponsor, or Potential Winner or Official Winner are found to be ineligible, or Potential Winner is unavailable to take delivery of the Prize, or Potential Winner does not comply with the Official Rules, or in the event Potential Winner or Official Winner is disqualified for any reason under the provisions of these Official Rules, such Potential Winner or Official Winner and all rights to any Prize will be forfeited in its entirety and a random drawing will be conducted in order to select an alternate Potential Winner, if time permits.

6. Prizes (3): Three (3) Official Winners (each a “Winner”, collectively the “Winners”) will each be awarded a Sweepstakes grand prize (each a “Prize”, collectively the “Prizes”) which consists of the following items: (i) one (1) adult “Patrick Star” costume; (ii) one (1) adult “Sandy Cheeks” costume; and (iii) one (1) child “SpongeBob SquarePants” costume. The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of each Prize is $159.97; the total ARV for all Prizes in the Sweepstakes is $479.91.

7. 7. General Prize Terms: Arrangements for fulfillment of the Prizes will be made by Sponsor. All costs and expenses not specifically listed as part of a Prize are solely each Winner’s responsibility. Upon entry into the Sweepstakes, each Winner (as well as all other Participants) is required to comply with any and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. All federal, state and local taxes (if any), and any other costs and expenses associated with the Prizes not specifically provided for in these Official Rules, are solely the Winners’ (or Winners’ Parents if such Winner is a Minor) responsibility. Sponsor shall have no responsibility or obligation to Winners or Potential Winners who are unable or unavailable to accept or utilize a Prize(s) as described herein. No substitution, transfer or cash equivalent for the Prize or any portion thereof is permitted, except by Sponsor, in which case a prize of comparable or greater value may be awarded. Sponsor will not replace a lost or stolen Prize.

8. General Terms: Receipt of any Prize in this Sweepstakes is conditioned upon compliance with any and all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Noncompliance with any of these Official Rules may result in disqualification. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual that Sponsor finds to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY A WINNER OR ANY BEHAVIOR BY A WINNER THAT WILL BRING SUCH WINNER OR SWEEPSTAKES ENTITIES INTO DISREPUTE (IN SPONSOR’S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN SUCH WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS A SWEEPSTAKES WINNER AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS THE WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED. Entries generated by a script, computer programs, macro, programmed, robotic or other automated means will be disqualified. Entries that are incomplete, illegible, corrupted, false, lost, late or misdirected, deceptive or otherwise not in compliance with the Official Rules may be disqualified from the Sweepstakes at Sponsor’s sole and absolute discretion. Proof of sending or submission of entry will not be deemed proof of receipt by Sponsor. If, for any reason, the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including, without limitation, unauthorized intervention, fraud, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. Should the Sweepstakes be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, the Prize may be awarded to a Winner(s) to be selected from among all Eligible Entries received up until and or after (if applicable) the time of modification, cancellation or termination or in a manner that is fair and equitable as determined by Sponsor. All interpretations of these Official Rules and decisions by Sponsor are final. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Sweepstakes Entities from any and all liability resulting or arising from the Sweepstakes, to release all rights to bring any claim, action or proceeding against Sweepstakes Entities.

9. Governing Law/Jurisdiction: THE NEW YORK COURTS (STATE AND FEDERAL) SHALL HAVE SOLE JURISDICTION OF ANY CONTROVERSIES REGARDING THE SWEEPSTAKES AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (AS DISTINGUISHED FROM THE CHOICE OF LAW RULES) SHALL GOVERN THE SWEEPSTAKES. EACH PARTICIPANT WAIVES ANY AND ALL OBJECTIONS TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE IN THESE COURTS AND HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS. Except where prohibited, as a condition of participating in this Sweepstakes, each Participant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, the Prize awarded, or the determination of the Official Winner shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. Participants further agree that in any cause of action, the Sweepstakes Entities’ entire liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event shall the Sweepstakes Entities be liable for attorneys’ fees and/or experts’ fees and costs. Participants waive the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages and Participants further waive all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

10. Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in this Sweepstakes, Participants agree that the Sweepstakes Entities and their respective employees, officers, directors, agents, contractors, members, and representatives (the “Released Parties”) are not responsible for:  (i) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by Participants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (iii) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstakes; (iv) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; or (v) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Participant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use or misuse of any Prize. No more than the stated number of Prizes will be awarded.

BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES, PARTICIPANTS AGREE THAT THE RELEASED PARTIES WILL HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR, AND SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS BY PARTICIPANTS AGAINST, ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURIES, LOSSES OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND TO PERSONS, INCLUDING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, OR PROPERTY RESULTING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, MISUSE, OR USE OF A  PRIZE, ENTRY, OR PARTICIPATION IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES OR IN ANY SWEEPSTAKES RELATED ACTIVITY, OR ANY CLAIMS BASED ON PUBLICITY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION OR INVASION OF PRIVACY, ACCESS TO AND USE OF ANY INTERNET SITE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SWEEPSTAKES OR THE DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM SAID SITE, OR MERCHANDISE DELIVERY. THE RELEASED PARTIES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF ANY PRIZE CANNOT BE AWARDED DUE TO TRAVEL CANCELLATIONS, DELAYS, OR INTERRUPTIONS DUE TO ACTS OF GOD, ACTS OF WAR, NATURAL DISASTERS, WEATHER, OR TERRORISM.

WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, EVERYTHING REGARDING THIS SWEEPSTAKES, INCLUDING THE PRIZES, ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY. CHECK LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.

11. Publicity. EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW, EACH WINNER GRANTS TO SPONSOR (WHICH GRANT WILL BE CONFIRMED IN WRITING BY WINNER AND WINNER’S PARENT IF SUCH WINNER IS A MINOR ON REQUEST OF SPONSOR), ITS PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS (INCLUDING ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION AGENCIES), CONTRACTORS, SUPPLIERS, AND THOSE ACTING PURSUANT TO ITS AUTHORITY, THE RIGHT AND PERMISSION TO PRINT, PUBLISH, BROADCAST, AND USE, WORLDWIDE IN ANY MEDIA NOW KNOWN OR HEREAFTER DEVELOPED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WORLD WIDE WEB, AT ANY TIME OR TIMES, PRIZE WINNER’S NAME, PORTRAIT, PICTURE, VOICE, LIKENESS, AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FOR ADVERTISING, TRADE, AND PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES (INCLUDING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS OR HER NAME ON TELEVISION OR RADIO BROADCAST) WITHOUT ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION, COMPENSATION, PERMISSION, OR NOTIFICATION.

12. Privacy and Use of Information: By entering the Sweepstakes, each Participant agrees that Participant’s entry and any other personally identifiable information collected or used in connection with the Sweepstakes is subject to and may be used by Sponsor in accordance with its Privacy Policy, as posted on www.nickjr.com.

13. Request for Names of Winner and Official Rules: For the names of the Winners and/or Official Rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope by December 15, 2020 to: Nickelodeon, Attention: “September 2020 SpongeBob Halloween SMS Sweepstakes”, 1515 Broadway, Space #39-11B, New York, NY 10036. Please note on the front left-hand corner of your outer envelope whether you are requesting “Official Rules” or the names of the “Winners”.

14. Sponsor: Sweepstakes is sponsored by Viacom International Inc., 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.

Abbreviated Rules

“September 2020 Halloween SMS Sweepstakes”

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Many will enter, few will win. For complete rules and eligibility requirements, visit http://www.nickelodeonparents.com/. Certain restrictions apply. Void where prohibited by law. Open to legal residents of the 50 US or DC who are at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which he/she resides (nineteen [19] years old in AL and NE, twenty-one [21] years old in MS) at the time of entry. Sweepstakes begins at 10:00:01 a.m. ET on 9/28/20 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 10/9/20.  To enter, either send a text message containing the word “HALLOWEEN” to 91757 or send an email with the phrase “SPONGEBOB HALLOWEEN SMS SWEEPS” in the subject line to nickelodeon@nick.com. Three (3) winners will receive a Prize. The approximate retail value of all Prizes is $479.91. Odds of winning based on the number of eligible entries received.  Sponsor: Viacom International Inc., 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.

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