Restrictions on using Olympic Games Words and Images

Thinking of holding a fundraising or other event on an olympian theme? In a word, don't. Unless you are taking part in officially recognised Games related activtities

All of the official names, phrases, trade marks, logos and designs related to the 2012 games and the Olympic and Paralympic movements (collectively referred to as the games' marks) are protected under copyright, trade mark, design right and/or other law. Basically — don't risk using them, even if the use is completely non-commercial.

Games' marks include the Olympic and Paralympic symbols; the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic emblems; the London 2012 mascots; the words "London 2012"; the words Olympic, Olympiad, Olympian and their plurals and words very similar to them such as Olympix; the words Paralympic, Paralympiad, Paralympian and their plurals and words very similar to them such as Paralympix; the Olympic motto 'Citius Altius Fortius'/'Faster Higher Stronger'; the Paralympic motto 'Spirit in Motion'; the Team GB, ParalympicsGB, British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association logos; london2012.com and various derivatives; and London 2012 sports pictograms. And these are just some of the protected items — there are more.

Information about use of games' marks is on the London Organising Committee (LOCOG) website at tinyurl.com/25mylbu.

As usual thanks to Sandy Adirondack for highlighting this issue further information can be found on her website. (http://www.sandy-a.co.uk/managing.htm#ip-olympics) And yes, technically this news item is infringing the relevant copyright laws.