Trademark Issue With the Olympics

It’s an Olympic year, but before you start with Olympic related advertising or promotions you will need permission before using certain terms.  Noted communications attorney David Oxenford observed:

“In addition to having trademark rights based on registration and use of its marks, the USOPC is the beneficiary of a special federal statute, the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, which grants it the exclusive right to use various words and logos commercially or in connection with an athletic event, performance or competition.  These marks include “United States Olympic Committee,” “Olympic,” “Olympiad,” “Pan American,” “Cities Altius Forties,” “Paralympic,” “Paralympic” and the symbol of the International Olympic Committee – the five interlocking, blue, yellow, black, green and red rings.”

Thus, like the "Super Bowl" and “March Madness” stations should double check whether they have promotions using names and terms that could create trademark or copyright liability. As Oxenford concluded:

“The Olympics are big business and the USOPC has not hesitated to enforce its rights.  Given the special status given to the marks controlled by the USOPC, be especially careful in your advertising and promotions during this Olympic year."

You can see a complete discussion on David Oxenford’s Broadcast blog here.