Olympics 2012

As momentum for the London 2012 Olympic games gathers pace it's important that businesses don't get caught out. The Olympic symbols and logos are protected by law, this helps to maintain the integrity of the games and to make the Olympics the most unique sporting event in the world.

If you want your business to capture the Olympic spirit you can;

As LOCOG provide us with more information on what businesses can do, we will update this section.

All of the activities will be within the law as long as you do not create a direct association with the Olympic games or use any of the protected symbols or logos.

There are strict rules on what can and cannot be done by businesses to associate themselves with the Games. For a quick overview see the links below;

The Olympic Symbol etc. (Protection) Act 1995 (OSPA) makes it unlawful to use specific words and marks in the course of a business without the consent of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).  These words and marks are listed on the attached sheet headed 'Protected Games' Marks'

The Trade Marks Act 1994 makes it unlawful to sell goods or have any dealings in goods which bear a registered trade mark.  A small example of some of these registered trade marks are also listed on the attached sheet headed Protected Games' Marks

Visit Intellectual Property Office web site to find out if a mark is registered before you use it. This Service is provided free of charge.

The London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 provides LOCOG with ‘association rights’.  This means that it is unlawful to falsely represent any association, affiliation, endorsement, sponsorship or similar relationship with the Olympic Games.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 places a general duty on all businesses to trade fairly but there are specific prohibited actions. It is an offence to falsely claim that a trader or a product has been approved, endorsed or authorised when it has not.

You may find that you are offered Olympic Games merchandise to sell in your business.  Before you agree to anything, check the goods are official by visiting the London 2012 web site. The seller should be authorised and the goods or packaging must bear the official hologram.

If your business is located in Leicestershire and you would like more information, please contact tour Business Advice line on 0116 305 800 during office hours.

You may also contact us by email at - tradingstandards@leics.gov.uk.

Full brand guidance is available from the London 2012 web site.