Beyond Medals: The Fight To Protect Olympic Intellectual Property

The Olympic Games, a global spectacle of athleticism and human spirit, is also a complex ecosystem of intellectual property. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has meticulously constructed a legal framework to safeguard the unique identity and commercial value associated with the Games.

Olympic properties encompass a wide range of intangible assets that are essential to the identity and commercial exploitation of the Games. These include:

• Trademarks: The most recognizable Olympic properties, such as the Olympic rings, logos, mascots, slogans, and other distinctive signs. These are registered and protected as trademarks in jurisdictions worldwide.
• Copyright: Protects creative works associated with the Games, including artistic, literary, musical, and audiovisual works, such as opening and closing ceremonies, promotional materials, and broadcast content.